The Michigan Supreme Court is considering whether businesses that were forced to shut down during the COVID pandemic are entitled to any compensation from the state.
The operators of 24/7 Fitness Gym and Mount Clemens Recreational Bowl contend COVID restrictions cost them money unnecessarily, and arguments were held before the court this week.
Solicitor General Anne Sherman represented the state.
“There is no right for a business to be able to continue to operate when the state has acted and exercised its police power in a grave emergency,” Sherman said.
Lawyers for the two businesses say the state had no right to force them to shut down. The state argues the pandemic constituted a public health emergency.
A decision from the Supreme Court is not expected for several months.
