A group of more than 200 bars and restaurants in Colorado filed a lawsuit against the governor. Jared Polis
Jared Schutz PolisColorado driver who allegedly hit a protester with a car charged with assault Some Republicans dig against the mask mandate as bipartisan consensus in favor grows Colorado Governor: More people in masks ‘a ticket to more freedom’ PLUS (D) and the state Department of Public Health and Environment to block coronavirus guidelines that prohibit alcohol sales after 10 pm and limit capacity.
The Tavern League of Colorado filed the lawsuit Thursday in a Denver district court, alleging that the bars and restaurants have been selected for “unfair and different treatment” and arguing that there is no evidence to suggest they are contributing to the spread of the disease, according to reporting from Colorado Public Radio.
“We are extremely disappointed in the action that Governor Polis took,” Stephanie Fransen Hicks, Executive Director of Tavern Leaguehe said in a statement. “Restaurants and bars have gone above and beyond to keep both employees and customers safe and aggressively follow all health and safety guidelines.”
Polis implemented a last call this week at 10 p.m. as coronavirus cases continue to rise in the state.
He said during a press conference that he believes the current state ordinance, which requires bars to stop serving alcohol at 2 am, is “bad law” and suggested that local communities should set their own hours.
“People can stay as long as they want, but if you want to get drunk, do it at home with just a few people,” Polis said. “And don’t let your judgment expire.”
The lawsuit, obtained by the store, also seeks to override capacity limits. He maintains that the restrictions are leading to an “alarming rate” of restaurant closings.
Colorado restaurants are currently allowed to serve half the capacity or up to 50 people, whichever is less.
When asked about the lawsuit during a press event on Thursday, Polis said the limits he imposed are necessary to stem the pandemic.
He added that if the number of coronavirus cases decreases in the next two weeks, it would push the last call until midnight.
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