TBA Law Blog


Posted by: Stacey Shrader Joslin on Jul 21, 2020

Memphis bars have filed suit in federal court to challenge city and county regulations requiring the closure of limited-service restaurants. Two groups of plaintiffs are arguing that the rules are arbitrary and irrational, the Daily Memphian reports. U.S. District Court Judge John T. Fowlkes Jr. heard from one group on Monday. U.S. District Court Judge Jon P. McCalla is scheduled to hear another case on July 27. The cases arise from the July 8 closing of limited-service restaurants, which are restaurants where 50% or more of revenue is generated from the sale of alcohol. Plaintiffs also are questioning why bars on Beale Street have been allowed to stay open. Health officials say a state law adopted 30 years ago deems those establishments to be in a historic district and therefore exempt from the criteria to obtain a full restaurant license.