Iron Pig Smokehouse Continues Legal Battle Against Michigan COVID-19 Restrictions, Citing Due Process Concerns

Gaylord, Michigan – The owner of Iron Pig Smokehouse, Ian Murphy, has announced further legal action against Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer and the state's handling of past COVID-19 restrictions. Murphy, who has been embroiled in legal disputes with the state since 2020, stated his intention to challenge "5 more laws" on December 10th in the Lansing Court of Appeals.In a recent social media post, the Iron Pig Smokehouse account directly criticized Governor Whitmer, stating, "Hey Big @GovWhitmer, weren’t you just saying how 'little or bad information' you were working with back then? Thank you for being a literal real-time example of an authoritarian." The post further emphasized, "I’m not done yet 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸 And if this angers you, ask yourself if due process only matters for people you agree with or both?" This reflects a continued stance against what Murphy perceives as an overreach of executive power during the pandemic.The Gaylord restaurant gained prominence during the COVID-19 pandemic for openly defying state-mandated indoor dining bans and other health orders in late 2020. This defiance led to fines and the temporary suspension of its liquor and food licenses. Murphy subsequently initiated legal challenges, arguing that Governor Whitmer and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) lacked the legal authority to impose such restrictions.Several court rulings have sided with businesses challenging the state's authority. In January 2022, Otsego County Circuit Court Judge Colin Hunter ruled that the MDHHS lacked the legal authority to impose COVID-19 lockdown restrictions on the Iron Pig Smokehouse, overturning a $5,000 fine. This followed a Michigan Supreme Court decision in October 2020 that found Governor Whitmer's use of a 1945 law to issue executive orders during the pandemic unconstitutional, asserting that it unlawfully delegated legislative power.The ongoing legal challenges by Iron Pig Smokehouse highlight a broader debate over governmental authority, individual liberties, and due process during public health emergencies. Murphy's continued pursuit of these cases underscores a persistent effort to define the constitutional limits of executive power in Michigan.