Bars were forced to close their doors in 2020 under COVID restrictions imposed by then-North Carolina Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper.

However, those establishments scored a legal victory late last week when the state Supreme Court ruled that they can pursue justice. 

Plaintiffs seek compensations for losses incurred from COVID lockdown rules

According to the Rocky Mount Telegram, the state Supreme Court's decision was issued this past Friday and will allow a pair of lawsuits to go ahead.

One suit was filed by several North Carolina bars while the second involves the North Carolina Bar and Tavern Association along with several other venues.

All of the plaintiffs are attempting to recover financial compensation for losses they incurred after public health regulations shut their doors.

The Telegram explained that the North Carolina Bar and Tavern Association may not argue that its constitutional rights for equal treatment were violated. However, the entity is allowed to cite a state constitutional right to earn a living in its case.

North Carolina Bar and Tavern Association president calls ruling a "major victory"

"We acknowledge that the COVID-19 pandemic was a chaotic period of time," Chief Justice Paul Newby was quoted as writing in the Supreme Court's majority opinion.

"It is important to remember, however, that the Governor was not the only person facing uncertainty," the chief justice stressed.

"Small business owners across the state dutifully shuttered their doors and scaled back operations without knowing exactly when they could open or operate fully again," he added.

Justices previously allowed racetrack to sue over COVID rules

The Telegram noted how this is not the first time that the state Supreme Court has permitted a lawsuit over Cooper's COVID-era restrictions.

As the Associated Press reported last year, North Carolina's highest judicial body ruled that the Ace Speedway racetrack could seek financial damages over its inability to host events.

"We emphasize that these allegations remain unproven," Associate Justice Richard Dietz acknowledged before concluding that they nevertheless "assert colorable claims under the North Carolina Constitution for which there is no alternative remedy."

Fox 8 reported that Ace Speedway moved this week to have its case voluntarily dismissed with prejudice after reaching a mediated settlement with the state.