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Florida legislator: Fine Mar-a-Lago for mask-free party

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) — A Florida legislator wants President Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago club fined and closed temporarily for hosting a New Year’s Eve party where few of the 500 guests wore masks as they sang, shouted and danced indoors for hours in possible violation of local coronavirus ordinances.

Democratic state Rep. Omari Hardy filed a complaint with Palm Beach County, urging it to take action against Mar-a-Lago, writing “as far as I know, the law still applies to the President and his businesses.” The county ordinance says indoor businesses must require patrons and employees to wear masks when they are not eating or drinking. The maximum fine for a first violation is $250.

Hardy, who represents a nearby district that is predominately African American, said he was “furious” when he saw photos and videos of the $1,000-per-person party posted on social media. They show patrons packed together on the dance floor.

He said the partygoers’ actions endangered the club’s staff and the local community.

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