As the Governor's war against Louisiana bars and nightclubs continues, we get a rare look on the front-lines as the ATC shutdowns Junkyard in Monroe.

At this point, I strongly believe Governor John Bel Edwards once endured a severely embarrassing moment at a bar in his younger years. One that has scarred him for life. I'm not sure what that moment could have been, exactly, but I'm certain something happened. Maybe he dated a bartender long ago who happened to cheat on him. Maybe he went to the bar one night with high hopes of meeting a girl, only to get declined for hours on end. Maybe a bouncer threw him out in front of everyone after one too many coldies. Whatever it is, something must have happened to JBE in his past that has left him on an absolute rampage against the industry.

Why else would the Governor of Louisiana absolutely dismantle and destroy an entire industry? He has shown absolutely no care or regard towards bar owners, staff, and patrons, and unfortunately, he doesn't appear to be letting up anytime soon.

Yesterday, Junkyard Bar in Monroe made headlines after they decided they will be opening full force, regardless of the restrictions handed down by the State. Of course, according to the State under Phase Three guidelines, parishes with a COVID-19 positivity rate of 5% or lower for two weeks can reopen bars with permission from the parish government. As you can imagine, there aren't many parishes in Louisiana who qualify under these strict terms. In fact, there are only five, and Ouachita Parish is not on that list.

Still after having their entire life's work seemingly stripped from them over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, the owners of Junkyard Bar decided enough was enough. The owner of the bar, Lane Clark, spoke out this week on the Governor's actions, as well as his decision to reopen. He says, "We follow all the rules here, we have masks for people, our employees wear masks, we have hand sanitizer. I have a bar license but I’m not allowed to serve bar food and be open. It’s ridiculous it’s discrimination is what it is."

Clark also said, "We are opening like we were supposed to in the first place."

Junkyard's opening was set for tonight, September 15th, with live music on the schedule. Unfortunately for the Monroe favorite, their opening has been delayed... Again.

Earlier today, a friend of mine shared a Facebook Live video showing ATC officers shutting down Junkyard Bar and suspending their liquor license.

You can see that video below.

 

 

ATC shut down a local business

Posted by Daniel Norred on Tuesday, September 15, 2020

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