Pennacchio Questions Gov’s Decision to Halt Indoor Restaurant Service at 10 p.m.

Asks Governor and Department of Health for the Science and Data Behind This Order

Senator Joe Pennacchio today questioned the logic of Governor Murphy’s decision that restaurants and bars in the state must stop indoor service at 10 p.m.

“This is just another random edict from a governor who continues to fight the pandemic without the benefit of logic or science,” said Pennacchio. “Is the governor suggesting diners are more susceptible to the virus later in the night?

“Unjustified restrictions like this crippled New Jersey’s economy earlier this year. We can’t let this happen again. Decisions that impact New Jersey residents’ freedoms, health, and financial security must be rooted firmly in fact, not panic,” Pennacchio continued.

Murphy announced the new restrictions during his coronavirus briefing at 1 p.m. today.

“There’s no common sense here,” Pennacchio noted. “If the governor has data that supports him, if he has ‘the science’ behind him, he should share it with the public. If he doesn’t have the data, he shouldn’t be making decisions based on fear and doubt.

“I would like to hear from the health commissioner. Where does she stand on this? Does she have the science and data to support this arbitrary edict? Can she share that with the public? This shouldn’t be one man’s decision. The commissioner should be involved, and the legislature should be involved.”