Dancing Is Not Allowed in New Bedford [OPINION]

You had better watch out because the COVID crime squad is watching.

Six New Bedford watering holes have been busted for failure to comply with COVID-19 mandates. Shame on them.

WBSM News reports the New Bedford Public Health Department slammed Whiskey Lounge, located at 1669 Acushnet Avenue, and Sebastian’s, located at 110 County Street for failure to comply with mask-wearing regulations. Each was fined $300 for the offense.

Legends, located at 78 Covell Street, was fined twice for twice violating mask-wearing regulations and social distancing violations. The bar was fined $300 the first time and $600 the second time.

New Bedford Bar & Grill, at 116 County Street, and The Bar, located at 266 Dartmouth Street, were each fined $600 for violations of the social distancing and mask-wearing regulations. Shame, shame, shame.

But by far, the award for the most egregious infraction of the week goes to Freddie’s Café, located at 175 Sawyer Street. Freddie's got nailed $600 for failure to comply with mask-wearing regulations and for allowing people to dance. Dancing is unacceptable! And don't you forget it, either.

Governor Charlie Baker says singing, dancing, and shouting are not permitted, especially during Thanksgiving gatherings, which are also outlawed.

Give me a break. Give these people their money back. The state and local governments have already destroyed countless businesses and burdened hard-working people with their foolish and unnecessary mandates. All of this has reached levels of absurdity, the likes of which have not been seen before.

There must be something more important these folks can be doing than harassing small business owners.

Barry Richard is the host of The Barry Richard Show on 1420 WBSM New Bedford. He can be heard weekdays from noon to 3 p.m. Contact him at barry@wbsm.com and follow him on Twitter @BarryJRichard58. The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of the author.