Report: Judge Dismisses Lawsuit Against County’s Indoor Dining Ban

The county judge in a lawsuit fighting the recent indoor dining ban has agreed to dismiss the suit, according to a report in Bethesda Beat. Judge James Bonifant dismissed the case after the plaintiffs, which included the Restaurant Association of Maryland and more than 30 county restaurateurs, and the county agreed the lawsuit now was moot.

Council Approves Executive Order to Allow Limited Indoor Dining

The County Council yesterday approved by a 7–2 vote a revised executive order permitting indoor dining in area restaurants, with restrictions. Councilmembers Will Jawando (D-At Large) and Craig Rice (D-District 2) dissented, citing safety issues, the risk of continuing to spread the pandemic and public health experts’ advice against reopening restaurants.

Council to Hold Hearing, Vote on Reopening Limited Indoor Dining

The County Council will hold a public hearing and vote next week on a revised executive order proposed yesterday by County Executive Marc Elrich. The council is scheduled to introduce a resolution approving Executive Order No. 19-21, COVID-19 Local Order – Amending and Restating Order later today, as well as introduce a similar resolution in their role as the Board of Health.