A group of Southern California businesses deemed “nonessential” under state and local shelter-in-place orders have sued, claiming the rules are unconstitutional and that they should be allowed to resume operations while complying with federal guidelines for social distancing.

Lawyers at Geragos & Geragos in Los Angeles and the Dhillon Law Group in San Francisco filed suit Friday in U.S. District Court for the Central District of California on behalf of businesses including restaurants, a company that handles lighting effects for Hollywood, and a mobile pet groomer. The suit, which appears to be the first mass action brought in California on behalf of business challenging government public health orders, claims that the implementation of the rules meant to stem the tide of the COVID-19 pandemic has violated the due process and equal protection clauses of the Fifth and 14th Amendments.