Governor's pandemic rules for bars violated North Carolina Constitution, appeals court says
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.
Related articles
Sweden beats France, Britain relegated after losing to Norway at hockey worlds
PRAGUE (AP) — Sweden beat France 3-1 to preserve a perfect record at the ice hockey world championsh2024-05-21Shaquille O'Neal leaves fans concerned with cryptic social media response to his ex
Shaquille O'Neal has left fans worried after appearing to address comments from his ex-wife Shaunie2024-05-212024 South Carolina General Assembly session may be remembered for what didn't happen
COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — The 2024 regular session of the South Carolina General Assembly ends Thursday2024-05-21Inside Instagram 'bully' Katherine Asplundh's extravagant wedding to billionaire husband
Take a look inside Katherine Asplundh's lavish Florida wedding to billionaire heir Cabot Asplundh -2024-05-21What's next for Iran after death of its president in crash?
JERUSALEM (AP) — The death of Iran’s president is unlikely to lead to any immediate changes in Iran’2024-05-21Utilities complete contentious land swap to clear way for power line in Mississippi River refuge
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Utilities looking to finish building a high-voltage power line linking Iowa and2024-05-21
atest comment