Las Vegas hotel sues state over virus rule

LAS VEGAS – A Nevada hotel that was fined for hosting a Trump campaign event in defiance of coronavirus restrictions sued the state and the city over the health mandates.

The lawsuit filed by Ahern Hotel and Convention Center in Clark County District Court on Monday names Democratic Gov. Steve Sisolak and Las Vegas planning director Robert Summerfield as defendants, The Las Vegas Review-Journal reported.

The company, which held an “Evangelicals for Trump” event this month, claims in the lawsuit that Sisolak’s directive limiting gatherings to 50 people represents “disparate treatment” of Ahern and similar businesses.

The lawsuit says there is no rational basis for a hotel or convention center to be treated differently from restaurants and casinos, which are allowed to operate at 50% capacity.

The lawsuit asks the court to declare the ban on gatherings of more than 50 people invalid and unenforceable.

The lawsuit seeks to force the governor to amend the directive to allow hotels, convention centers and restaurants to host events, conferences or meetings if they meet standards under a phase of Nevada’s reopening plan.

Sisolak’s office declined to comment. A spokesman said the city does not comment on pending or ongoing litigation.

For most people, the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough, that clear up in two to three weeks. For older adults and people with health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia and death.