A Franklin County judge has issued a 14-day restraining order on a Columbus ordinance requiring bars and restaurants to close on-site service at 10 pm.
City health inspectors have seen a sharp decline in observation of mask and social distancing requirements after 10pm. A group of Columbus businesses filed a lawsuit Tuesday morning, arguing that there is no reliable evidence linking the spread of COVID-19 and operating hours. Judge Mark Serrott says the ordinance unfairly singles out bars and restaurants. But he said the temporary order could be affected by statewide orders from the governor. Businesses who sued include Pins Mechanical, 16-Bit Bar and Arcade, Mikey's Late Night Slice and others. State health officials Tuesday reported 1,320 new cases of COVID-19 and 38 new deaths. The state now has 87,348 cases and 3,382 deaths.
