KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – A federal court judge in Kalamazoo has rejected a restraining order filed by a Michigan restaurant industry group and two other plaintiffs against the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services seeking to overturn the ban on indoor dining at restaurants and bars.
The Michigan Restaurant and Lodging Association filed a suit Tuesday, two days after Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and her administration announced the new restrictions.
In Friday’s ruling, Judge Paul Maloney said the state is within its legal rights to issue the emergency order.
In the suit, the MRLA noted that gyms, liquor stores, recreation marijuana facilities, and more remain open. Judge Maloney cited that, in those businesses, a mask is required at all times. While masks are required while indoors, they still have to be removed while eating and drinking.
After the ruling, MDHHS Director Robert Gordon said “Orders similar to this one have successfully stopped COVID surges in many other countries. That’s why public health experts support the approach, and we believe these targeted and temporary steps are needed to avoid overwhelmed hospitals and death counts like we saw in the spring.”
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