RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper’s orders during the COVID-19 pandemic that directed standalone bars to remain shuttered for safety while restaurants that serve alcohol got to reopen were “illogical” and violated the state constitution, an appeals court ruled on Tuesday.
A state Court of Appeals panel declared unanimously that a trial judge erred when he rejected claims by the North Carolina Bar and Tavern Association and private bars that their constitutional rights to earn a living and for equal treatment were violated with the Democratic governor’s executive orders.
It was “arbitrary and capricious” to allow some restuarants with bars to reopen with limited capacity while the plaintiffs’ bars weren’t allowed to reopen in the same way, Court of Appeals Judge April Wood wrote in the panel’s opinion vacating parts of Superior Court Judge James Gale’s decision. The association and bars in the lawsuit were subjected to unequal treatment that was “illogical and not rationally related” to the governor’s stated goal of slowing the virus’ spread, Wood said.
Tourism boosts China's social, economic development
Marlins' Jake Burger placed on injured list with left intercostal muscle strain
Former New Mexico football player convicted of robbing a postal carrier
Will Brennan homers, Guardians beat Red Sox 6
Kristin Cavallari, 37, ignores critics of her age
China to speed up development of new quality productive forces: top legislator
Justice Thomas misses Supreme Court session with no explanation
John Sterling retires from Yankees broadcast booth at age 85 a few weeks into 34th season
Messi in and Dybala out in Argentina squad for pre
Married teacher caught naked in car with male student, 17, is the wife of Harvard
Kristin Cavallari, 37, ignores critics of her age
Tennessee schools would have to out transgender students to parents under bill heading to governor