Rockford Sun

Nick Fosberg’s bar, Fozzy’s Bar and Grill, has been served three closure notices since the COVID-19 pandemic began.

Fosberg said the bar, which is located in Loves Park, has received more closure notices than any other business in the area, eventually causing him to obtain an attorney.

"We felt feel pretty singled out where they're only shutting down bars and restaurants when they have no proof, no evidence that we are the main cause, you know, let alone any of our particular businesses," Fosberg said in an interview with Rockford Sun.

Fosberg said the bar had no intention to close because they aren't breaking any laws.

"(The) state's attorney hasn't taken any of these cases and are not going to court," Fosberg said. "But, even if it did go to court, you know, you've got to prove in front of the judge that we are the actual cause of a major spread, not just one or two or three ... But, you know, they have to prove that ... people are getting super sick from this virus at our location."

Fosberg, who has owned the bar for 12 years, said he can't afford to shut down. He said what Gov. J.B. Pritzker is doing is unlawful.

Fosberg is in the process of opening another bar in Tennessee. He said he won't back down on refusing to close and he said he would thank other businesses who are remaining open for standing their ground.

"We're getting phone calls left and right, people saying that for you. So, you know, don't back down. ... Stand your ground," Fosberg said.

Fosberg said he employs 25 people who have families to feed; he couldn’t afford to close. He said the choice was to either close for good or fight to remain open.

“You said it's either closed now and it's done and over with or you keep fighting to stay open and see what happens down the road,” Fosberg said. “So that's kind of where we're at.”