Williamsburg tavern sues state for unfair COVID-19 regulations

An East Williamsburg tavern is suing the state for what it says is unfair regulations..

News 12 Staff

Sep 16, 2020, 2:47 AM

Updated 1,410 days ago

Share:

An East Williamsburg tavern is suing the state for what it says is unfair regulations..
The Graham will be asked to close at midnight, but it says the state hasn’t given a good reason why.
They say they have complied with the governor's orders — serving food with alcoholic drinks and making sure outdoor dining was properly spaced. But now, the owner, Tov Lutzker, says he is fed up with what he believes to be poor guidance by the state.
The establishment, which caters to many late shift workers currently, has to shut down at 11 p.m. every night due to outdoor dining and it will be asked to close at midnight once indoor dining is allowed.
However, Lutzker says there’s been no real medical data to back up the reasoning for it.
The East Williamsburg business owner says he doesn’t want to put his employees out of a job or leave customers without a social spot if it’s not justified.
A governors spokesperson tells News 12 in a statement, “Bars are closed in ten other states and many -- including Rhode Island, North Carolina, and Washington -- have similar restrictions in place because they recognize that late-night service can encourage individuals to gather and mingle, increasing the risk of COVID transmission. The plaintiff's lawyers are right: this virus is not a vampire -- it is real, it is deadly, and the State will do everything we can to protect New Yorkers from it."
Lutzker says he plans to file an injunction Wednesday, asking the courts to prohibit the governor from enforcing the midnight rule while the lawsuit is in litigation.
News 12 reached out to the governor’s office for a comment and are waiting to hear back.


More from News 12
0:32
Police arrest man in connection to shooting murders in Clinton Hill

Police arrest man in connection to shooting murders in Clinton Hill

1:40
Nearly 300 probationary firefighters join the ranks of FDNY

Nearly 300 probationary firefighters join the ranks of FDNY

1:46
Sunny and warm weather with lower humidity for the weekend in Brooklyn

Sunny and warm weather with lower humidity for the weekend in Brooklyn

1:08
East Flatbush residents 'Occupy the Corner' for a safe summer

East Flatbush residents 'Occupy the Corner' for a safe summer

1:24
G train shutdown impacting Bed-Stuy commuters negatively

G train shutdown impacting Bed-Stuy commuters negatively

1:44
Gun detectors could arrive in NYC subway stations today as NYPD prepares pilot program

Gun detectors could arrive in NYC subway stations today as NYPD prepares pilot program

1:43
Welder Underground unveils ‘Rappin' Max Robot’ through apprenticeship program

Welder Underground unveils ‘Rappin' Max Robot’ through apprenticeship program

0:47
Attorney General James releases body camera footage of fatal officer-involved shooting in East Flatbush

Attorney General James releases body camera footage of fatal officer-involved shooting in East Flatbush

0:24
Police: Suspect wanted for punching 72-year-old man at 25th Street subway station

Police: Suspect wanted for punching 72-year-old man at 25th Street subway station

1:54
Boar’s Head deli meat recalled for potential listeria contamination

Boar’s Head deli meat recalled for potential listeria contamination

1:44
The Real Deal: How to save on expenses amid rising costs in New York

The Real Deal: How to save on expenses amid rising costs in New York

1:36
Students set to receive OMNY cards with more rides and less restrictions

Students set to receive OMNY cards with more rides and less restrictions

1:31
Tenants in Flatbush building say they are living with broken floors, mold, leaks and holes

Tenants in Flatbush building say they are living with broken floors, mold, leaks and holes

1:41
Neighbors describe MTA bus crashing into Burger King in Kensington

Neighbors describe MTA bus crashing into Burger King in Kensington

1:46
YMCA promotes swim safety services on World Drowning Prevention Day

YMCA promotes swim safety services on World Drowning Prevention Day

0:37
Brooklyn DA: Former teacher accused of enticing teenagers to send him explicit images

Brooklyn DA: Former teacher accused of enticing teenagers to send him explicit images

1:14
New lawsuits filed against Gov. Hochul's congestion pricing plan pause

New lawsuits filed against Gov. Hochul's congestion pricing plan pause

1:35
Rally outside Brooklyn Public Library calls for end to alleged 'power grab' from Mayor Adams

Rally outside Brooklyn Public Library calls for end to alleged 'power grab' from Mayor Adams

1:55
Residents say rats are taking over Sheepshead Bay street

Residents say rats are taking over Sheepshead Bay street

0:29
Southwest breaks 50-year tradition and will assign seats; profit falls at Southwest, American

Southwest breaks 50-year tradition and will assign seats; profit falls at Southwest, American