A Denham Springs BBQ restaurant faces legal
repercussions after not complying with state face mask regulations. Following
complaints from the public in July, state marshals were notified of Firehouse
BBQ's refusal to require face coverings and social distancing within the
restaurant. Though the Louisiana Health Department has demanded that Firehouse close,
the restaurant has continued to serve customers and make face masks voluntary, despite
concerns of a public health risk. A lawsuit has been filed by the state against
Firehouse BBQ and, as of last week, the case was currently at a halt, due to
delays and court measures regarding where the restaurant's case will be heard. According
to an article on the Houma Today website, restaurant owner Danielle Bunch
believes that mask regulations are illegal, as she feels that businesses should
not have to become regulation enforcers.
The lawsuit's outcome will be substantial because the Department of Health's
victory against Firehouse would reinforce Louisiana Governor John Bel Edward's mandate
of obligatory face coverings and social distancing during the COVID-19
pandemic. The Health Department may be able to fine businesses that do not
follow state public health orders, such as face mask requirements. The result
of the lawsuit might also impact the restaurant industry, since Firehouse's win
could result in additional businesses challenging state health guidelines and
restrictions.
Health specialists state that face coverings are
essential in allowing the economy to currently function, helping to prevent
COVID-19 cases and exposure from spiking. However, medical exemptions have
grown to be a concern, and Firehouse BBQ owner stated that the medical
conditions of some employees goes against mask orders. A violation of health
privacy laws might also be a concern if employers were to question the medical
exemptions of workers or customers regarding their compliance toward wearing
face masks. Health officials state that there is a very small list of medical
conditions that would support being allowed to go without a mask covering, but those
with such conditions have an even greater risk of health complications if they
were to contract COVID-19.
Denham Springs's Parish, Livingston, has had 3,500
COVID-19 cases and 66 deaths since March's rapid increase of cases in Louisiana.
Today, COVID-19 continues to pose a large health risk and spread, even before
symptoms are shown.
Firehouse's case is ongoing, and some have come out in support of the
restaurant's dispute against face mask regulations, while others have encouraged
Gov. John Bel Edwards's enforcement of mask mandates statewide.
