No ruling has been issued in the case of a group of limited service restaurants, including Downtown venues Blind Bear, Silly Goose, and Max’s Sports Bar, in their request for an injunction allowing them to remain open following their closure by the Shelby County Health Department as a measure to reduce spread of COVID-19. Counsel for the restaurants argued that the difference between limited service and full service restaurants – whether their sales are less than or more than 50% of food – is irrational as relates to the spread of the virus. Health Department director Dr. Haushalter said the department was acting on the advice of CDC officials who came down the week of July 4. The judge said that he does not want to rule yet on this case because a similar case will be heard before another judge next Monday.
Coverage by Action News 5 references photos of large crowds on Beale Street this past weekend.
A few hours down I-40, Nashville is gaining national attention after TMZ named the city No Mask-ville. Bar closure orders are being flouted there, and many people aren’t following social distancing and masking regulations and recommendations.
Not a Memphis or even a Tennessee thang but worth an embed in today’s post:
This restaurant is only allowed to sell beer if someone buys food. 👏 pic.twitter.com/T6w8OT7Bmu
— You Had One Job! (@_youhadonejob1) July 20, 2020
Patios are now back open for dine-in at two Aldo restaurants: Aldo’s Pizza Pies Downtown and Slider Inn Midtown. Of course, Slider Inn Downtown has had the air-conditioned inside open for dine-in the past couple of weeks. If I have a productive day today, I think I may reward myself with a visit to Downtown Slider for happy hour.
The parking lot at Tom Lee Park has been converted into a pop-up skate park with help from the folks at Society Skate Park and Contact Skate Shop.
From the Daily Memphian: Former Memphis Tiger Jeremiah Martin plans to take advantage of his NBA opportunity. After showing out in the early portion of the NBA G-League season, the Brooklyn Nets signed Martin to a two-way contract in January.
Very good Twitter thread on COVID-19 precautions by Republican Mississippi governor Tate Reeves. There is nothing wrong with admitting that we are dealing with incomplete information when it comes to the virus. Sometimes it is necessary to change course with the guidance issued to prevent spread.
That’s it for today. Back tomorrow with more news.