A cease and desist order is being sent to TempleLive in Fort Smith to stop a May 15 concert planned at the venue, Gov. Asa Hutchinson said Tuesday. The event is scheduled ahead of the allowed date of May 18 for the limited opening of indoor venues, and the governor said a business can’t “arbitrarily determine” a reopening.
Lance Beaty, owner of Beaty Capital Group which owns and manages TempleLive, told Talk Business & Politics he is disappointed in the decision.
TempleLive, operating in the former Masonic Temple in downtown Fort Smith, announced April 23 that singer-guitarist Travis McCready, formerly with the Southern rock band Bishop Gunn, will perform an acoustic set at 8 p.m. on May 15. The concert has gained national attention with publications addressing the conflict between TempleLive and state health officials including Rolling Stone, The New York Times and Bloomberg.
During his daily COVID-19 briefing, Gov. Hutchinson said the event is three days ahead of the allowed opening and said a “specific plan” addressing health and other safety concerns was required.
“None of that was done in this case. It is out of time,” the governor said, adding that allowing the concert to go forward sends a message to other businesses that following the rules is a choice.
“You can’t just arbitrarily determine when the restrictions are lifted. That is something that is done based upon public health requirements. In terms of the concert, there will be a cease and desist order that will be issued by the Department of Health directing that that concert not take place,” Gov. Hutchinson said.
Cease And Desist Order To Be Sent Stopping Fort Smith Concert
A cease and desist order is being sent to TempleLive in Fort Smith to stop a May 15 concert planned at the venue, Gov. Asa Hutchinson said Tuesday. The event is scheduled ahead of the allowed date of May 18 for the limited opening of indoor venues, and the governor said a business can't "arbitrarily determine" a reopening.