Judge tosses out lawsuit filed by businesses against the state Pulaski County Circuit Court Judge Wendell Griffin ruled against Fayetteville bar and restaurant owners over a lawsuit related to COVID-19. (Source: KAIT) By Region 8 Newsdesk | January 26, 2021 at 5:44 PM CST - Updated January 26 at 5:59 PM LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (KAIT) - Pulaski County Circuit Court Judge Wendell Griffin ruled against Fayetteville bar and restaurant owners over a lawsuit related to COVID-19. According to a report from content partner KARK, nearly two dozen bars and restaurants filed a lawsuit against the state, claiming the 11 p.m. closure is hurting businesses. The defendants in the lawsuit against the state include Governor Asa Hutchinson, Secretary of Health Dr. Jose Romero, and Alcohol Beverage Control (ABC) Board Director Doralee Chandler.