Gym owner promotes free memberships to people without COVID shots

ByEyewitness News WABC logo
Saturday, March 27, 2021
NJ gym owner stirs up more controversy with latest tweet
The New Jersey gym owner who made headlines for defying New Jersey's stay-at-home order, is stirring up more controversy as he encourages people not to get vaccinated.

BELLMAWR, New Jersey (WABC) -- The New Jersey gym owner who made headlines for defying New Jersey's stay-at-home order, is stirring up more controversy as he encourages people not to get vaccinated.

Ian Smith, co-owner of the Atilis Gym in Bellmawr, took to twitter on Tuesday with a bold proclamation.

Smith says "in light of Krispy Kreme giving free donuts for receiving the COVID shot, here at The Atilis Gym, we are giving out free memberships to all who don't get vaccinated."

He goes on to say "we believe in health - the real way - exercise, good diet, plenty of Vitamin D, Zinc, and an environment to destress."

Smith was hit with more than a million dollars in fines for keeping his gym open during the pandemic and also had his mercantile license revoked back in August.

The owners of the defiant Atilis Gym in Bellmawr, New Jersey say they won't back down, despite mounting fines.
national geographic covid newsletter sign up

MORE CORONAVIRUS COVID-19 COVERAGE

New Jersey COVID-19 Vaccine Tracker

New York City COVID-19 Vaccine Tracker

Find out if you are eligible and where you can go to get your vaccine

Do you have coronavirus symptoms?

Where to get tested in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut

WATCH: Eyewitness to a Pandemic

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on coronavirus

Submit a News Tip or Question

Copyright © 2024 WABC-TV. All Rights Reserved.