BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — Nine Buffalo-area businesses are suing New York State for alleged "unconstitutional" Covid-19 response efforts.
Two strip clubs, three bars, a bowling center and a martial arts studio are among the businesses that filed the federal lawsuit on Friday.
The businesses claim Governor Andrew Cuomo, Attorney General Letitia James, and the State Legislature has exercised a "disturbing and gross abuse of their power" and "attempted to expand their authority by unprecedented lengths, without any proper constitutional, statutory, or common law basis therefore."
Among the businesses is The Cowboy on Chippewa Street, which was forced to close temporarily in July for violating rules including requiring patrons to wear face masks.
The businesses are seeking compensation for the losses they've incurred due to their forced business disruption during the pandemic, and want the judge to declare Cuomo's Executive Orders "substantively unconstitutional" and "exceed the scope of his authority."
Full list of named businesses in lawsuit:
- Bimber's Delwood
- Bison Billiards
- Five Star Lanes
- Four Aces Bar & Grill
- Karate Ken's, Ltd.
- Pharaohs Gentlemen's Club
- Soonertunes Productions
- The Body Shop Gentlemen's Club
- The Cowboy of Chippewa
