Business Watch

Bars, restaurants, movie theaters and other businesses are bracing for an extension to a state health order that ‘paused’ operations for three weeks.

A federal judge Wednesday denied a request from the restaurant industry to resume indoor dining during the COVID surge. But the judge hinted he may soon punt the case to the state Supreme Court, which struck down the governor’s emergency authority in October.

Bars, restaurants, hotels and recreation facilities with fewer than 50 employees will be eligible for the much-needed relief.

Economists at the University of Michigan say the pace of recovery in the state for workers and the government’s budget will depend on a new round of federal pandemic stimulus funding.

Many of the state’s public companies said rebound still may not be enough to make up for the steep losses earlier in the year.

COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations are growing, but the state’s bar and restaurant industry says its dining rooms are unfairly shut down. Layoffs continue, and many warn of more closures.

The restaurant industry warns that 250,000 employees could be laid off under new COVID-19 restrictions. A judge denied a request for an injunction, but the trade group’s suit seeking to overturn the measure continues.

Frustrations are mounting because Michigan’s restrictions don’t set goals for case counts. That’s prompted some leaders to fear the three-week ‘pause’ could stretch for many more weeks.

In a Q&A, the head of a licensed beverage industry group said the state’s three-week ban on indoor service is not justified by where outbreaks are happening and will devastate businesses and laid-off workers if relief doesn’t come soon.

Not all stores in Michigan reopened or closed. Some are stuck in limbo, like this one, just outside Detroit, where the owner is still hopeful about reopening, when it’s safe.