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Kid Rock
Michigan's Kid Rock, good buddy of President Donald Trump, is refusing to close his Nashville bar and restaurant despite a directive on Sunday by Nashville Mayor John Cooper to shut bars for health safety.
Within hours of the mayor's announcement, the Metro Board of Health unanimously approved his recommendations and declared a public health emergency, according to The Tennessean newspaper.
But the Detroit-area performer, who is co-owner of Kid Rock's Big Ass Honky Tonk & Steakhouse, plus several other bar owners in downtown's entertainment district, won't shut, reports TMZ.
Restaurateur Steve Smith, Kid Rock's partner in the restaurant, issued a statement:
Deadline Detroit photo"We appreciate the efforts of Mayor Cooper to combat the COVID-19 virus, but unless there's a statewide mandate that directs all bars and restaurants to be closed, the request made by Mayor Cooper is unconstitutional as he is targeting a select group of businesses."
"[A] Tootsie's patron as immediate as last night, mentioned having lived through the polio epidemic and didn't recall such extreme measures being handed down in history." He continues, "In response, Tootsies Orchid Lounge, Rippy's, Honky Tonk Central, Kid Rock's Big Ass Honky Tonk & Steakhouse and The Diner will continue to remain open to serve the public until such statewide mandate is issued from the governor of Tennessee."
