Bars are back in business after being shut down for nearly three months due to the global pandemic.
On June 5, Gov. Ron DeSantis allowed bars to re-open at 50% capacity while still maintaining proper protocols such as face masks and social distancing. His orders also allowed bars to serve outside as long as tables and chairs were spaced accordingly.
“I was so grateful that my job stayed open and continued to be successful despite what was going on,” said Aleiyah Robles, bartender at The Dubliner Irish Pub in Tampa. “When we were told we could sell food to stay open, it brought joy to my eyes as I would hate to see this company hang up a closing sign.”
In early March, it was announced by DeSantis that bars would have to close down until further notice because of the number of coronavirus cases within the state. This caused many businesses to take a cut in pay for employees and face a financial decrease in the business.
The state decided to reopen bars at the start of June after they felt businesses could apply proper health and safety measures. But when customers went back to the bars, the state saw a significant increase in COVID-19 cases, and they had to close again.
Bars suffered another closure and knew this could harm their business once again. They were later banned from selling any alcoholic beverages until further notice. Many businesses, however, found a way to stay open without causing any harm.
These establishments could resume operations and continue to serve alcoholic beverages if they were selling food as well. Many owners started offering items such as hot dogs and fries to keep an increase in sales.
“I got to go out to the bars for the first time this weekend and I was happy with the results I saw,” said Jennifer Hess, a Tampa resident. “I was nervous at first but needed to get out of the house. There was plenty of space between parties, and I felt very comfortable. I can see the bars staying open if they keep following this plan.”
Every bar will have to follow strict guidelines to stay open. Many of them are prohibiting patrons from standing at the bar. They must be in a seat to receive a drink.
As Florida bars have been reopening, one local south Tampa business is still not serving alcohol because its owners feel it is not safe to do so.
“We have gotten the green light from the governor, but do not want to risk it yet,” said Michael Greene, manager at Kelp Sushi Joint. “Of course, alcohol is great to have with sushi, but we are still not offering it yet as our restaurant is only serving outside, and it just isn’t safe. We do not want to risk big crowds coming in and have to close.”
