By: Khadn Adderley
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (UATV) – An Arkansas judge ruled against bars in their lawsuit fighting coronavirus restrictions.
A collection of Fayetteville bars, including Yee-Haw, West End and Maxines Taproom sued the Arkansas government over a forced 11 p.m. closing time.
Yesterday, a Pulaski County Circuit Judge ruled against the group saying that the executive order protects the interest of public health during the pandemic.
“We were incredibly disappointed to not be heard. The struggle in the bar industry is a unique one during this pandemic,” said Hannah Withers, co-owner of Maxines Taproom. “Those extra three hours of operating per night are a very small Band-Aid that could help a lot of people right now.”
And according to Withers, she feels the executive order limits her business opportunities.
“There’s no aid or support for our limited capacity and many of the independent owned bars that I know are on the verge of closure. Many of them have set up go fund me accounts to ask the community to support them during this time.” said Withers.
As of now, the mandate stands that all restaurants and bars that serve alcohol in the state of Arkansas must close at 11 p.m.