Nevada bars await judge’s decision on reopening

Venues with slot machines have taken court action against the state lockdown.

US.- Sixty-two bar and tavern owners across Nevada have taken legal action in a bid to overturn Gov. Sisolak’s enforced Covid-19 lockdown measures.

All sixty-two venues host slot machines, which state gaming regulators have approved for use on a standalone basis.

The establishments are represented by attorney Dennis Kennedy, who said the state has unfairly targeted bars and taverns, which have not been cited for violating coronavirus policies.

Bars and taverns in seven Nevada counties were closed under a July 9 mandate due to an increase in the amount of coronavirus cases.

Kennedy said: “Bars and casino gaming floors are 80 per cent compliant at this point.”

Last month Nevada regulators sought to fine two casinos that were not complying with coronavirus measures.

Gov. Sisolak justified the closures on the grounds that the virus tends to spread “when people are congregating for long periods of time, like inside a bar.”

Judge Kerry Earley has heard the legal council from all the parties and has yet to announce a decision.