A Nevada judge has rejected a bid to force Gov. Steve Sisolak to lift a bar closure order he re-imposed July 27 to prevent people from gathering in Las Vegas-area taverns and spreading COVID-19.

An attorney for 62 area bars didn’t immediately say Tuesday whether he’ll appeal the order.

The judge found the governor acted within his power for a legitimate governmental purpose to promote public safety.

Sisolak said restaurants can be open with tables spaced apart, but he banned bar-top seating.

The attorney, Dennis Kennedy, argued that's killing taverns, including those that rely on revenue from bar-top video gambling machines.

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