State Attorney General Jeff Landry, who’s been a vocal critic of mask and vaccination mandates, said the City of New Orleans’ requirement to show proof of vaccination or a negative test to enter certain venues is opening up the Big Easy to big lawsuits.
“Now whether those in the city will take that particular action, we certainly would encourage them, and we’d want to assist them in it, but we’re going to need some plaintiffs out there,” said Landry.
Mayor LaToya Cantrell made the announcement Thursday that goes into effect August 16th with enforcement set to begin August 23rd. Landry said the requirement will only hurt the city.
“I mean I think that the mayor is only further crippling the New Orleans economy at a time when we can’t afford it,” said Landry.
Landry said if a bar or restaurant owner chooses to require proof of vaccination or a negative test that’s their prerogative but having a government official set the policy opens up the city to litigation. The Superdome, which is owned by the state will also be required to ask for proof.
“I think that once you go into the public arena or dealing with a public building, especially one that’s owned by the state, her litigation problems only increase,” said Landry.
*story by Audacy
