Restaurant Sues Washington, DC Health Department After Being Closed for Violating COVID-19 Vaccine Mandate

Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser attends March for Our Lives 2022 in Washington on June 11, 2022. Paul Morigi/Getty Images for March For Our Lives

The owner of a restaurant shut down by Washington, D.C., officials for violating the city’s strict COVID-19 vaccine mandate sued the city on Oct. 13.

Eric Flannery owns The Big Board. Washington authorities in February ordered the restaurant to close, citing violations of food code regulations and Mayor Muriel Bowser’s requirements that venues only let in customers who presented proof of COVID-19 vaccination.