Senator Rand Paul (R), a prominent figure in conservative politics, traveled from his home state of Kentucky to endorse Cameron Hamilton, a Republican, for his party's nomination to replace outgoing Rep. Abigail Spanberger (D).
Hamilton picked up a full-throated endorsement from the Senator who has spent years questioning the motives of retired Dr. Anthony Fauci, who was the center of the government-mandated lockdowns and forced coronavirus vaccinations during the pandemic. Paul, accompanied by his wife, Kelly, drew a fervent crowd of conservatives to Gourmeltz 90s Music Bar and Drafthouse in Spotsylvania County. The atmosphere was enthusiastic, reflecting the unity and excitement among conservative voters.
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Two weeks before the June 18 Primary Election, U.S. Senator Rand Paul will headline a rally supporting Cameron Hamilton’s campaign for Virginia’s 7th Congressional District. The event is set to take place at Gourmeltz restaurant, at 10013 Patriot Highway, on Monday, June 3.
Hamilton is running in a Republican Primary, hoping to become the party nominee to replace incumbent Abigail Spanberger (D), who will not seek reelection. Doors for the event will open at 3 p.m., with the rally scheduled to begin at 4 p.m.
Senator Rand Paul, known for his libertarian-leaning views and advocacy for limited government, individual liberties, and fiscal conservatism, will be the keynote speaker at the rally. Paul’s endorsement is expected to bolster Hamilton’s campaign, drawing attention to his platform and energizing voters in the final stretch before the primary.
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According to a press release, the Virginia ABC and Gourmeltz have agreed to resolve all issues associated with the serving of alcohol products without the requisite license to do so at the restaurant. Effective December 23, 2022, the mixed beverage, wine, and beer licenses of Gourmeltz will be reinstated.
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Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R) signed an executive order today that halts state agencies from collecting fines imposed onto businesses that violated guidelines laid out by his predecessor, Ralph Northam (D) during the pandemic shutdown.
Youngkin directed enforcement agencies, boards, and commissions to report all fines, fees, suspensions related to the shutdown violations. He also directed agencies to halt further collection and enforcement action in his upcoming budget to be delivered on December 15. The budget will also direct the state government to develop a reimbursement process for individuals and businesses who paid "unjust" COVID-19 fines and fees.
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By Tyler Arnold
(The Center Square) - The Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority raided a Fredericksburg restaurant in relation to COVID-19 rule violations, but the owner who is running for a state Senate office is using the raid as a fundraising opportunity.
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The Virginia ABC Authority, backed by Virginia State Police troopers, raided a Spotsylvania County restaurant that defied orders to close in the face of government-ordered coronavirus restrictions in 2021.
Agents came to Gourmeltz on Route 1, seized $10,000 of liquor, and downloaded data from the restaurant's computers. It was the latest move in a chess game between the state and restaurant owner Matt Strickland, going on since January 2021, when the health department ordered Gourmeltz to close for not adhering to former Gov. Ralph Northam's executive order requiring restaurants to limit the number of patrons inside their restaurants due to coronavirus fears.
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Matt Strickland, the famed owner of Gourmeltz restaurant in Spotsylvania County who pushed back against former Gov. Ralph Northam's coronavirus restrictions, is running for state senate.
Strickland will run as a Republican in the new 27th District that encompasses parts of Stafford and Spotsylvania counties and Fredericksburg. Strickland announced his campaign 21 months ahead of the General Election on November 7, 2023, when all 40 Virginia State Senators will be up for re-election.
Strickland received regional media attention when he bucked former Gov. Ralph Northam's Executive Order that required restaurants to the number of customers allowed in his restaurant and prevented anyone from sitting at a bar.
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The state dropped its case against a Fredericksburg-area restaurateur that defied orders to comply with Gov. Ralph Northam's coronavirus pandemic protocols.
The move comes after Spotsylvania County Circuit Court Judge Richard Rigual in March ruled in favor of the restaurant after the stated tried to shut it down for defying Northam's Executive order which, among other things, ordered restaurants to operate at 50% capacity, prevent anyone from bellying up to the bar, and to require customers and employees wear masks.
Gourmeltz, the diner known for its oversized grilled cheese sandwiches, defied the governor during the duration of the pandemic. Northam lifted the mask mandate for unvaccinated people on May 15 and all remaining coronavirus restrictions on May 28.
At a press conference held at the Gourmeltz restaurant today, owner Matt Strickland, his wife Maria, and their attorney former U.S. Rep. Bob Barr, of Georgia, now the head of Liberty Guard, said the restaurant's health department license would soon be restored.
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Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam today eased some of his coronavirus restrictions that have limited the number of customers allowed at area businesses over the past year.
Northam will allow event venues to have up to 500 people, or a total of 30% capacity of the forum, up from 250 poeple. If you're having a party, the governor will allow you to welcome a total of 100 of your friends if your event is held outdoors. That's up from the limit of 10 people indoors and 25 people out.
The governor is easing restrictions on sporting events, allowing the total number of spectators to increase from 25 to 100 people per field, or 30 percent capacity, whichever is less for indoor settings, and from 250 to 500 people per field or 30 percent capacity, whichever is less for outdoor.
