Gov. John Bel Edwards has won out in a legal challenge to his statewide mask mandate and continuing restrictions on bars.
Judge Janice Clark rejected arguments by a group of Jefferson Parish business owners and a musician that the regulations are unconstitutional.
One bar owner claimed he was being discriminated against by not being allowed to reopen because he sold less food than a nearby restaurant that was allowed to serve alcohol.
Edwards said he was pleased with Clark's ruling and that the evidence was clear the mask mandate and closure of bars was working.
"What we are doing is necessary, and what we are doing is working. Further, my orders are fully consistent with the constitution and statutory authority I have as governor to protect our people during a public health emergency," the Governor added.
Edwards extended the mask mandate earlier this week to August 28 due to the ongoing outbreak of the coronavirus statewide.
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