He opened his bar, Kid Rock’s Big Ass Honky Tonk Rock & Roll Steakhouse in October 2018.
And despite Nashville Mayor John Cooper directing all bars to close up amid the spread for COVID-19, Kid Rock’s bar stands strong in remaining open.
The 49-year-old’s business partner, Steve Smith, put out a statement on Sunday, saying he refused to close up shop until there was a ‘statewide mandate that directs all bars and restaurants to close.’
Not listening: He opened his bar, Kid Rock’s Big Ass Honky Tonk Rock & Roll Steakhouse in October 2018. And despite Nashville Mayor, John Cooper, directing all bars to close up amid the spread for COVID-19, Kid Rock’s bar stands strong in remaining open. Seen in 2018
Is this smart? The 49-year-old’s business partner, Steve Smith, put out a statement on Sunday, saying he refused to close up shop until there was a ‘statewide mandate that directs all bars and restaurants to close’
‘We appreciate the efforts of Mayor Cooper to combat the COVID-19 virus, but unless there’s a statewide mandate that directs all bars and restaurants to be closed, the request made by Mayor Cooper is unconstitutional as he is targeting a select group of businesses,’ he said.
‘We are compassionate with those who have contracted the COVID-19 coronavirus and all who are helping manage the crisis as the entire world addresses the outbreak.’
‘However, a Tootsie’s patron as immediate as last night, mentioned having lived through the polio epidemic and didn’t recall such extreme measures being handed down in history.’
His wild place: A look at his very popular hangout that has several balconies
Steve signed off the statement with: ‘In response, Tootsies Orchid Lounge, Rippy’s, Honky Tonk Central, Kid Rock’s.’
Kid Rock himself has stayed silent throughout the whole ordeal. He last shared an Instagram post on March 3, following the Nashville, Tennessee, tornado.
Mail Online has reached out to the All Summer Long singer’s representatives for further comment.
And there are mixed responses about the duo’s decision to keep their Honky Tonk bar open until a statewide notice is given.
Rock on: Here he is seen on stage. Mail Online has reached out to the All Summer Long singer’s representatives for further comment
The last photo on the bar’s Instagram page sees Steve presenting a $100,000 check to none other than Mayor John Cooper, following the tornado. But the comments section now sees fellow patrons discussing whether he should keep his bars open or not.
One wrote: ‘You have a responsibility to your community. No one applauds this behavior.’
Alternatively, another commented: ‘Stay open.’
The Mayor’s decision to close all bars and limit restaurants to 50 percent capacity comes after Twitter users shared videos and photos of packed bars over the weekend, after people had already been advised to self-quarantine due to the coronavirus.
He does his own thing: The Mayor’s decision to close all bars and limit restaurants to 50 percent capacity, comes after Twitter users shared videos and photos of packed bars over the weekend, after people had already been advised to self-quarantine due to the coronavirus. Seen in 2018
One video in particular quickly went viral with over 6.6 million views – and was called out by celebrities – including Nashville native Maren Morris.
The country singer, who’s waiting to give birth to her first child any day now, slammed Broadway.
‘While the rest of us are trying to be responsible in our homes and get this s**t over with, THIS?! Broadway, you aren’t a hero for staying open,’ she Tweeted.
Two views: Some say to close and others say to stay open, but the truth is only the CDC knows what is best
There are currently 70 deaths and 4,061 cases of COVID-19 in just the United States.
New York, New Jersey and Connecticut will officially be in lockdown from 8pm on Monday night.
Bars and restaurants will only be allowed to serve takeout, while casinos, cinemas and gyms will all close down.