'Tomorrow's a turning point': Lincoln pool hall will defend mask refusal in district court
Madsen's Bowling & Billiards refused to follow the city's order to close over the weekend.
Madsen's Bowling & Billiards refused to follow the city's order to close over the weekend.
Madsen's Bowling & Billiards refused to follow the city's order to close over the weekend.
"Tomorrow's a turning point. We'll find out exactly where we stand," said Ben Madsen.
Madsen shared his thoughts on Facebook Live the day before his business, Madsen's Bowling & Billiards, appears in district court.
"Not exactly sure how everything is going to go tomorrow, but I got to keep my faith," said Madsen.
The pool hall refused to follow the city's order to close over the weekend. The Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department said Madsen's violated directed health measures, now Lincoln is taking legal action.
"Across the state and across the country there have been directed health measures, and it has been decided in a lot of ways that this is a health issue," said Yohance Christie, Lincoln city attorney.
Health director Pat Lopez said businesses are vital to ensuring rules are followed.
"I think we've said all along that we expect people to do the right thing and follow the mandate, and that's really the responsibility of the businesses to assure that people are following that," she said.
On Saturday, Madsen told KETV Newswatch 7 it's up to his customers whether or not they follow the rules, not the business.
"That's not our job. Our job is to make sure they get what they want when they show up to the establishment," he said.
The general manager said it's not about the money, it's about rights.
"I'm standing now and I'll stand after," said Madsen.