Michigan Supreme Court Denies COVID-19 Case

The Michigan Supreme Court has declined to hear a case from the Macomb County Restaurant, Bar and Banquet Association, which sought state compensation for financial losses incurred during COVID-19 restrictions. This decision upholds a prior ruling from the Michigan Court of Appeals, which determined that the association lacked standing to sue on behalf of its members. Justice David Viviano, in a dissent, argued that the issue of 'associational standing' warrants further consideration, suggesting that there might be circumstances under which an association could represent its members' interests. Restaurant owner Sam Backos expressed frustration over the legal technicality preventing the case from being heard, emphasizing the collective nature of their argument for relief. The court's unsigned order leaves the previous lower court's conclusions intact, indicating that individual businesses must pursue their own claims. This ruling may set a precedent for future cases involving associations seeking compensation for members during state emergencies.