Arkansas judge dismisses challenge to curfew for bars

LITTLE ROCK — An Arkansas judge on Tuesday dismissed a lawsuit challenging the early closing time for bars and some restaurants that was temporarily imposed because of the coronavirus pandemic.

The lawsuit argued Gov. Asa Hutchinson and state officials did not have authority to order bars and restaurants to close by 11 p.m. Hutchinson announced the order in November in response to a surge in coronavirus cases, and in December it was extended to Feb. 3.

Pulaski County Circuit Judge Wendell Griffen, who dismissed the suit, called the rational basis for the early closing time "obvious" given the number of people who have died from COVID-19 nationally and in the state

"Public health and safety concerns is a rational basis for regulating how and when people gather to dine and drink alcoholic beverages in commercial establishments," he wrote.

Read more: https://www.texarkanagazette.com/news/arkansas/story/2021/jan/27/arkansas-judge-dismisses-challenge-curfew-bars/857866/