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Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association suing MDHHS for restrictions prohibiting indoor dining

Posted at 12:46 PM, Nov 17, 2020
and last updated 2020-11-17 12:48:34-05

(WXYZ) — The Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association is suing the director of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.

RELATED: Whitmer announces '3-week pause' to include ending in-person dining, closing movie theatres & more

The lawsuit comes after the state announced new restrictions on Nov. 15 prohibiting indoor dining in restaurants.

"We have taken this action only after careful deliberation and as the last available option to prevent the outright devastation of restaurant operators and their hundreds of thousands of employees across the state," MRLA President & CEO Justin Winslow said.

"We want to be clear that we made several good faith efforts in advance of the public release of the Order issued November 15 to reach a compromise with the MDHHS that would have supported the goal of minimizing risk while still allowing for the continued operation of dining rooms," Winslow said. "We are hopeful for a swift and decisive victory in court so restaurant operators may return to what we know they do best – adding value to our lives and our economy by providing a great meal and exceptional hospitality in a safe, socially distanced, sanitized and regulated environment."

In a press conference held Sunday evening, Whitmer and state health officials announced a "Three-Week Pause" aimed at mitigating the spread of the virus.

Between Nov. 18 and Dec. 8, dine-in restaurants and bars will be closed.

View the full lawsuit below:

2020-11-17 MRLA Verified Complaint by WXYZ-TV Channel 7 Detroit on Scribd

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Click here for a page with resources including a COVID-19 overview from the CDC, details on cases in Michigan, a timeline of Governor Gretchen Whitmer's orders since the outbreak, coronavirus' impact on Southeast Michigan, and links to more information from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, the CDC and the WHO.

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