Footloose, Arizona Style
At San Tan Flats, you can dance if you want to:
Outdoor dancing is now allowed at San Tan Flat.
Pinal County Superior Court Judge William O'Neil Wednesday
overturned the decision of the county board of supervisors that said
the restaurant was operating illegally by allowing patrons to dance to
live music on its back patio.The case, which stretched over two years, drew national attention.
The supervisors' decision stemmed from a 1962 ordinance that banned outdoor dance halls.
Dale Bell, owner of the restaurant, contended the county violated his rights to run his business.
He sued the county for $1.
"That $1 is about freedom and about civil liberties and the government not being allowed to overreact," Bell said Wednesday.
Pinal County threatened to fine Bell $700 for each day he violated the ordinance.
