Coin-op amusements news | NY family entertainment takes governor to court over lockdown

Dozens of family entertainment centres in New York have turned to a tactic used by their colleagues in other US states – suing the authorities standing in the way of reopening.

They have banded together to file a lawsuit against state governor Andrew Cuomo, who has allowed some businesses to reopen after the lockdown that came into force nearly 12 months ago – but not the indoor arcades and FECs.

The plaintiffs are arguing that they are not being treated fairly by the governor, while similar establishments such as bowling centres and casinos have been allowed to open again.

Speaking for the plaintiffs, lawyer James Mermigis said: “Governor Cuomo continues to make random and arbitrary decisions about which businesses can open, none of which are based upon science or data. Governor Cuomo and his team tasked with reopening our economy have ignored these family businesses, that have provided extensive evidence of how they can operate safely. The governor is destroying these family businesses, some of which may never recover.”