Bartenders, Club Owners Sue OKC Over COVID-19 Curfew

Several local businesses and bartenders are suing the city of Oklahoma City, Mayor David Holt, and Police Chief Wade Gourley, hoping to end the 11 p.m. curfew that only applies to bars and restaurants right now.

Oklahoma City-based attorney Frank Urbanic is representing the plaintiffs. He also challenged Guthrie’s mask ordinance in April.

The lawsuit said one bartender expects his income to drop by 70% under the curfew. If the bar shuts down, he’ll lose all his income.

Urbanic said quote, “The future harm is severe, certain, and irreparable.”

Earlier in November, Governor Kevin Stitt ordered all bars and restaurants to close by 11 p.m. every night. That means no food or drink can be served past curfew, except for drive-thrus and curbside pickup.

The next day, Mayor Holt issued an emergency proclamation, imposing the governor’s order in OKC until it’s lifted.

“What is so special about 11 p.m.?” the lawsuit asks, according to the Oklahoman. “Defendants have not presented any evidence that 11 p.m. is some magical time when COVID-19 begins to spread and only in bars and restaurants.

So far, the city is not commenting on pending litigation.

The lawsuit has been moved from Oklahoma County to federal court.