Judge tells Montana bar to follow health directives on virus

BOZEMAN, Mont. – A Montana judge on Wednesday ordered a Bozeman bar to comply with health directives – including a 10 p.m. closing time – meant to limit the spread of the coronavirus in another case of businesses pushing back against the rules.

District Judge Rienne McElyea issued the preliminary injunction in the lawsuit by the Gallatin City-County Board of Health against the Rocking R Bar. The order will remain in effect through March 1, NBC Montana reported.

The judge said the ruling in the case was not final because all the evidence had not been heard.

The ruling came as health officials across the country face pushback over virus-related regulations.

Elsewhere in Montana, the state heath department sought orders for five Flathead County businesses to enforce directives, but a judge denied a preliminary order.

The businesses filed counterclaims arguing the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services targeted and hurt them financially. They are seeking damages, attorney fees and a judgment saying the health department does not have the authority to enforce the governor’s directives.

In Helena, a group of individuals and business owners sued outgoing Gov. Steve Bullock on Monday seeking to undo health directives requiring face coverings and business restrictions meant to stem the spread of COVID-19, Lee Newspapers of Montana reported.