Governor Roy Cooper has vetoed the second bill to come across his desk that would allow bars and gyms in North Carolina to reopen. | Facebook
Governor Roy Cooper has vetoed the second bill to come across his desk that would allow bars and gyms in North Carolina to reopen. | Facebook
North Carolina's governor indicated he still has issues with gyms and bars reopening during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Gov. Roy Cooper, despite opponents including lawmakers and business advocates, vetoed legislation to reopen gyms and bars for the second time.
“On the same day attorneys argued in court that Governor Cooper’s different treatment of bars and restaurants is inexplicable, Cooper vetoed this economic lifeline for thousands of businesses across North Carolina,” Sen. Rick Gunn said, the Carolina Journal reported on June 19.
Cooper had 10 days to act on the bill that would have become law without his veto, the Carolina Journal reported. Of the 11 bills on his desk, the one about bars and gyms was the policy Cooper vetoed.
Explaining his veto, Cooper wrote, "State and local officials must be able to take swift action during the COVID-19 emergency to prevent a surge of patients from overwhelming hospitals and endangering the lives of North Carolinians. The bill could restrict leaders who need to respond quickly to outbreaks and protect public health and safety," the Carolina Journal reported.
“Once again, the Governor shows that he prioritizes his own power over the livelihoods of responsible small business owners and families across North Carolina," House Speaker Tim Moore (R-Cleveland) said, the Carolina Journal reported.
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