SAVANNA, Ill. — A bar owner in Savanna, Illinois is one of dozens of business owners suing due to "Stay At Home" orders.
In March, Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker issued a "Stay at Home" order which forced non-essential businesses to close and other businesses to operate in unprecedented ways. The order began March 21 and has since been extended to May 30.
Kevin Promenschenkel, the owner of Poopy's Pub, said he hired lawyer Tom DeVore to represent him in a lawsuit.
"We were hoping to get a court order to be open in a week," Promenschenkel said.
However, Promenschenkel said the lawsuit was moved to federal court - delaying his desire for answers.
"We feel that we have the right to be open," said Promenschenkel. "We don’t understand this and we think it’s against our rights and that’s why we’re fighting."
Promenschenkel said his business will not make it if the stay-at-home order is extended much longer.
"We aren’t even doing a tenth of what we would normally do," Promenschenkel said. "Obviously it’s better than nothing, but it’s right next to nothing so..."
Promenschenkel holds an annual Memorial Day concert and summer kickoff, which would take place during the "Stay at Home" order.
DeVore is also representing about 80 other small businesses in lawsuits against Governor Pritzker, reported the Sun Times.
Poopy's had previously reopened, allowing customers to eat drink outside the property, but received a cease and desist order from the Illinois Liquor Commission.
Poopy's has been in business for 24 years.