A Washington, D.C., restaurant that became a focal point for flaunting mask mandates during the COVID-19 pandemic is suing the District of Columbia Department of Health after the agency pulled its license in early 2022. 

The complaint, filed Thursday in U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia on behalf of restaurant owner Eric Flannery, his company, Drane Flannery Restaurant, and his restaurant, The Big Board, alleges the agency and city violated D.C.’s Home Rule Act by enacting pandemic health policies without congressional approval.