A GOP group in Queens, New York recently made headlines after hosting a maskless indoor holiday celebration that caught attention online. The Whitestone Republican Club organized the event at Il Bacco, an Italian restaurant, which was attended by over 50 people, defying state regulations that limit gatherings to a maximum of 10 individuals. Despite the ongoing pandemic, many continue to hold large gatherings, often viewing guidelines as optional.
The gathering took place on December 9, 2020, just before New York Governor Andrew Cuomo reinstated restrictions on indoor dining. Among those present was Samantha Holloway, a Republican candidate for the City Council, known for her controversial associations. She defended the party as a necessary way to celebrate the holiday season, dismissing mask mandates.
After footage of the conga line surfaced online, the Whitestone Republican Club claimed that attendees were encouraged to wear masks, although this appeared to be largely ignored. The restaurant owner insisted that the event complied with state COVID-19 regulations, a statement that raised eyebrows given the circumstances. The club even shared a video of the party featuring a maskless opera singer entertaining the crowd.
Governor Cuomo criticized the event, remarking that “Covid conga lines are not smart,” while Mayor de Blasio warned that serious penalties would follow for those violating state rules. It remains uncertain if any fines were imposed on the group or the restaurant following this incident.
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In summary, a GOP group’s indoor holiday gathering in Queens sparked outrage after videos of attendees participating in a maskless conga line went viral. The event violated state gathering restrictions and has drawn criticism from local political leaders. The restaurant owner and the GOP group both defended their actions, while the public continues to grapple with the implications of such gatherings during the pandemic.