Burger joint sues Ron DeSantis after drag show law sends bookings into freefall

Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL) and his administration are facing a lawsuit after he signed a bill that aims to stop children from attending drag shows.

Hamburger Mary's of Orlando hosts a family-friendly drag show brunch on Sundays, but the restaurant has now had to ban people under the age of 18 because of the law.

Owner John Paonessa told WKMG he lost 20 percent of his bookings after SB 1438 was signed into law. Hamburger Mary's filed the lawsuit this week.

"The language used in the statute is meant to be and is primarily vague and indistinct. It does not mention 'drag' by name, but it is so broad as to include this art form in the state's interpretation under the newly created or amended laws in question," the lawsuit stated.

Attorney Gary Israel explained why the restaurant was taking DeSantis to court.

"That's what happens when the government makes people and businesses too scared to do legal things because of the potential consequences," Israel noted. "Luckily, we have courts in this country, and the federal courts are bound to uphold the U.S. Constitution."

Meanwhile, Paonessa said his business was struggling.

"We obviously had to stop allowing people to bring their children in, and the moment we announced that 20% of our bookings went down on Sunday and cancellations and then the following Sunday, so it is taking a hit on the business," Paonessa remarked.

"There's nothing going on with drag queens that affects any family, children, there's no nudity at these shows. There's no grooming. It's a false narrative that that's being placed on drag shows," he added.

Watch a clip from Hamburger Mary's at this link.