Gallatin Co Health Department Wins Suit Against Rocking R Bar
The Gallatin County City-County Health Department has won their suit against the Rocking R Bar in downtown Bozeman. After two days of testimony, Gallatin County District Judge Rienne McElyea ruled in favor of the health department, forcing the R Bar to close at 10 p.m.
The owner of the R Bar, Mike Hope, argued that by closing at 10 p.m., it was sending most of his patrons to private house parties, where they are not as regulated and less likely to follow the health department s COVID-19 guidelines. The health department argued that a 10 p.m. closing time for bars and restaurants is vital to slowing the spread of the coronavirus in the community.