(Photo by Robert Laberge/Getty Images)

Kid Rock is choosing to disobey Nashville city orders and insisting on keeping his steakhouse open.

Due to efforts in stopping the spread of coronavirus, Nashville Mayor John Cooper has ordered all bars on Lower Broadway and Davidson County to close indefinitely. However, it appears that Steve Smith, the owner of Kid Rock’s Big Ass Honky Tonk & Rock N’ Roll Steakhouse, is refusing to follow those orders.

Smith released a statement explaining why:

We appreciate the efforts of Mayor Cooper to combat the COVID-19 virus, but unless there’s a statewide mandate that directs all bars and restaurants to be closed, the request made by mayor cooper is unconstitutional as he is targeting a select group of businesses.

We are compassionate with those who have contracted the COVID-19 coronavirus and all who are helping manage the crisis as the entire world addresses the outbreak. However, a Tootsie’s patron as immediate as last night, mentioned having lived through the polio epidemic and didn’t recall such extreme measures being handed down in history. [via ABC]

There are currently 52 cases of coronavirus in Tennessee.