Radio Host, Pawn Store Owner Filing Lawsuit Over Gov. Northam’s Mask Policy

CHARLOTTESVILLE Va. (WVIR) — Charlottesville radio host Rob Schilling and a pawn shop owner are suing Governor Ralph Northam and other officials over the mask mandate.

Schilling and his lawyer, Matthew Hardin, spoke to the media and supporters Monday, June 1, explaining why this lawsuit was important.

“The legislature made it pretty clear, as I said, decades ago, that masks are illegal in the commonwealth of Virginia. It’s a class six felony,” Hardin said.

Northam announced Tuesday, May 26, that folks would be required to wear masks inside retail shops, restaurants, personal care and grooming establishments, places people congregate, government buildings, and on public transportation. Exceptions will be allowed, including while eating or drinking, exercising, those with trouble breathing, and children under age 10.

The governor has stated enforcement would be done through the Virginia Department of Health — similar to health inspections of restaurants — rather than using law enforcement. Governor’s Chief of Staff Clark Mercer said during Tuesday’s press briefing they are aware of equity and practical issues of enforcement for this policy, and a special session of the General Assembly is expected later this summer.

Tobey Bouch, the owner of Tobey’s Pawn Shop, says he is concerned businesses will be punished for not enforcing the mandate that folks be required to wear a face mask inside retailers.