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Federal judge denies request from Michigan restuarants

Court Gavel - Judge's Gavel - Courtroom by weiss_paarz_photos is licensed with CC BY-SA 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/

Michigan restaurants won't re-open legally for indoor dining this weekend.

After a federal judge today [FRI] denied a request from Michigan’s restaurant industry to block new state restrictions.

The state health department ordered restaurants go carry out or outdoor dining only for three weeks in reaction to a surge in covid-19 cases.

The Michigan Restaurant and Lodging Association asked a judge for a temporary restraining order, claiming it’s unfair to put restrictions on bars and restaurants but not other businesses.

But the federal judge declined, noting people who patronize other businesses can wear a mask, adding quote: “In contrast, individuals cannot eat or drink while wearing a mask.”

The lawsuit is not over a hearing is scheduled after Thanksgiving.

Restaurant Association CEO Justin Winslow says more Michigan restaurant workers will lose their jobs.

Steve Carmody has been a reporter for Michigan Public since 2005.