COLUMBUS – Hours before it was to have taken effect, a judge blocked an ordinance that would have forced Columbus bars and restaurants to close early to slow the spread of the coronavirus.
The judge granted a request for a temporary restraining order, meaning an ordinance passed by Columbus City Council, requiring bars and restaurants to close at 10:00 p.m., is on hold, according to a report by WBNS 10-TV.
Council approved the requested by Mayor Andrew Ginther and Columbus Public Health Commissioner Dr. Mysheika Roberts to close those businesses early following meetings over the weekend with representatives of the White House Coronavirus Task Force, which named Columbus among 11 cities where “aggressive” measure should be taken to slow the spread of COVID-19.
The two noted that patrons did not adhere to social distancing regulations after 10:00 p.m.