Newburgh tattoo parlor to defy state orders by reopening this weekend

A local tattoo parlor is going against the governor's orders and plans to reopen this weekend.
"I'm doing this in complete defiance of the tyrannical authority," says Roberto Minuta.
New York's phased reopening plan shows there's still some time before tattoo parlors get the green light to open up, but in the city of Newburgh, the owner of Casa di Dolores says he's doing it anyway. "I took the precautions. I flattened the curve by closing before we were required. Now you are destroying my life. I want to work and support my family and I’m not going to lose everything," says Minuta.
Minuta says he's struggling to make ends meet for his family, and now has plans to reopen his doors on Saturday to one customer at a time.
He posted a video on Facebook last week about reopening, saying in part, "I believe in our freedom and I believe that you believe in your freedom as well."
By violating social distancing protocols, Minuta could face fines up to $1,000. Gov. Andrew Cuomo has put the burden of enforcing these laws on local authorities.
News 12 reached out to Newburgh city police, but hasn't heard back.
Minuta says he's willing to suffer the consequences.
"I could wait and conduct business normally or I could do it quietly and open on Saturday and not make it public display about it, but people need to be aware of this. This sets the precedent for when we move forward," he says.
Minuta is planning on hosting a freedom rally in front of his store on Saturday morning.
PHOTOS: COVID-19 Impacts the World
undefined