A restaurant has sparked a debate on social media after forcing customers to prove they are unvaccinated before they can be served.
Per NBC News, the controversy was provoked by a Pasadena-based Italian restaurant named Basilico's Pasta e Vino.
In a Facebook post on July 22, owner Tony Roman shared an image of a sign which he had posted on the front door of his establishment, which read: "Notice proof of being UNvaccinated required.
"We have a zero-tolerance for treasonous, anti-American stupidity. Thank you for pondering."
Roman wrote captioned his post: "HEY CITY OF PASADENA, TAKE THAT! More American counties, cities, and businesses doubling down on anti-American lockdown mandates?
"Well 'Basilico's Pasta e Vino' just tripled down: From day one, never complied, banned masks, and now ... requiring proof of being Un-vaccinated! @cityofpasadena. [sic]"
On social media, a number of people have since debated the restaurant's policy, with some defending it, while others have lambasted the establishment.
One person wrote: "GOD BLESS. Thank you for being a fearless leader in the community. [sic]"
A second added: "Thank you for your support of the American people and FREEDOM!! - from New York."
While another added: "Wish more businesses had the guts to stand up for our rights."
Take a look at this interview with the owner in the video below:In a later statement made to NBC News, Roman told the outlet: "We have never complied with any restrictions since, and when the tiny tyrants go on the attack with new mandates, we fire back launching new missiles of defiance.
"And with the new and aggressive push for mandatory vax policies, we couldn't resist, so we are sending a message of our own. Hopefully, most are smart enough to read between the lines.
"Otherwise, we will just sit back and have fun watching their heads explode over it."
Indeed, Roman appeared to double-down on his provocative stance in a later Facebook video, stating in it that his business has received hundreds of one-star hateful reviews from outraged members of the public.
He also testified that the restaurant's landlord threatened to evict them, that local and state government threatened to shut them down, and that he has received multiple death threats.
