Coronavirus: Judge rules order banning Ohio alcohol sales after 10 p.m. to remain in effect

COLUMBUS — A judge ruled the order that bans alcohol sales at Ohio bars and restaurants will remain in effect, despite a lawsuit filed against the state, according to our news partners at WBNS-TV in Columbus.

PREVIOUS REPORT: Liquor control passes emergency rule to stop alcohol sales at restaurants and bars at 10 p.m.

The judge decided ruled against issuing a restraining order that would have put a temporary halt to the order issued by Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and the Ohio Liquor Control Commission.

The lawsuit was filed Tuesday by several Columbus bars and restaurants against DeWine and the liquor control commission. The suit also names the Ohio Department of Public Safety, which is the agency that handles business citations, WBNS-TV reports.

DeWine signed the order last week, saying it was a measure to help stop the spread of COVID-19. The order states that last call for alcohol sales at bars and restaurants is 10 p.m. and consumption of alcohol must end by 11 p.m.

The attorney for the businesses, Ed Hastie, told WBNS-TV they feel the ruling is unconstitutional and has a lack of due process.

Hastie said Wednesday the rule is “arbitrary, discriminatory and unreasonable.”

This is a developing story and we’ll update this story as new details become available.

Cox Media Group