Michigan Restaurants Denied Temporary Halt From Indoor Dining Ban
MICHIGAN — A federal judge on Friday denied a temporary restraining order sought by the Michigan Restaurant and Lodging Association to stop a shutdown on indoor dining in Michigan. Indoor dining is prohibited until Dec. 8, according to coronavirus-related health restrictions put that took effect Wednesday.
Judge Paul L. Maloney issued his ruling Friday morning. The lawsuit was filed earlier this week by the Michigan Restaurant and Lodging Association against the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and sought to have restrictions that included prohibiting indoor dining at Michigan eateries amid a surge in coronavirus cases immediately stopped.
In issuing his ruling, Maloney said the advocacy group didn't present enough evidence to allow for a temporary restraining order. A court hearing regarding the lawsuit is scheduled for Nov. 30.
"We were disappointed not to have received a temporary restraining order of the DHHS Order this morning, as it means several more restaurant workers will be losing their jobs in the coming days as restaurants remain closed," MRLA CEO Justin Winslow said in a statement to Patch. "We look forward to the opportunity to make our case in court on November 30 and remain hopeful for a positive outcome that more effectively balances risk and human toll across Michigan."
MDHHS Director Robert Gordon also issued a statement saying he appreciates the ruling, adding that rulings such as this help stop surges in coronavirus cases.
“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," he said. "If all of us mask up and avoid indoor gatherings, we will not only save thousands of lives and protect our frontline health workers, but we’ll also be able to enjoy indoor restaurant dining without fear.”
The MRLA filed the lawsuit Tuesday. Winslow said the agency took "several good faith efforts" in advance of the Sunday order, which restricted indoor and outdoor gatherings in Michigan and prohibited eateries across the state for indoor service. Winslow said the lawsuit was the "last available option to prevent the outright devastation of restaurant operators and their hundreds of thousands of employees across the state."
"We are hopeful for a swift and decisive victory in court so restaurant operators may return to what we know they do best — adding value to our lives and our economy by providing a great meal and exceptional hospitality in a safe, socially distanced, sanitized and regulated environment," Winslow said at the time.
Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, along with MDHHS Chief Deputy for Health Joneigh Khaldun and Gordon, who is named in the lawsuit, announced the restrictions Sunday after the state saw a significant uptick in new cases and deaths stemming from the coronavirus.
Read More: Michigan Restaurants Sue MDHHS Over Coronavirus Restrictions
Among the restrictions, a request that indoor residential gatherings are limited to two households at any one time, and that families should only interact with one other household over the next three weeks.
"This situation has never been more dire," Whitmer said during a news conference announcing the restrictions Sunday. "As the weather gets colder and people spend more time indoors, the virus will spread and more people will get sick and there will be more fatalities."
The restrictions took effect Wednesday and will remain in effect until Dec. 8.
This article originally appeared on the Detroit Patch
