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Posted on 10/16/2020 3:57:53 PM PDT by lightman
Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf has vetoed a key bill that would loosen restrictions on restaurants and bars in the state.
House Bill 2513 would set minimum capacity for restaurants and taverns at a minimum of 50% and even beyond that if the premises allow. It further would allow establishments to permit patrons to sit at bars, provided they socially distance, and would eliminate the requirement that a meal must be purchased to buy an alcoholic beverage.
“This bill jeopardizes public health and safety as it permits eating establishments, including restaurants, bars, clubs and banquet halls, to operate up to 100% capacity, without having to follow any mitigation guidelines of the Centers for Disease and Prevention or the Commonwealth," Wolf wrote.
The governor stressed mitigation efforts were designed to reduce the spread of COVID-19 but the bill “increases the likelihood of COVID-19 outbreaks."
In addition, Wolf said heading into the fall and winter when the potential for a resurgence is possible, mitigation guidelines need to remain in place. In addition, he said the state needs the ability to implement further mitigation efforts if needed.
As of Friday, the Pennsylvania Department of Health recorded 1,566 new positive coronavirus cases, bringing the statewide total to 179,086. This is the 11th consecutive day more than 1,000 cases have been reported. There are 8,457 total deaths attributed to COVID-19, an increase of 25 new deaths reported on Friday.
Wolf also pointed to schools as one of the reasons behind his decision.
“Instead of removing mitigation guidelines and encouraging behaviors that increase the spread of COVID-19, we need to be focused on getting our children back to school, keeping our schools and businesses open, and taking precautions to keep our communities healthy,” he said.
The bill received bipartisan backing earlier this fall when it passed both the House of Representatives and Senate.
So what’s next?
Attorney Matt Andersen of Norris McLaughlin Law told Breweries in PA a legislative override vote is needed in order for the bill to move forward. That would require two-thirds of Senate and House legislators to vote in favor of the override, which could occur as early as Oct. 19.
However, despite 72% of the House and 88% of the Senate originally voting in favor of the bill, there’s no guarantee it will pass due to the fact recent bills have failed during this process.
Some restaurant owners have been vocal about Wolf’s mandates, saying they have been unfairly targeted and restrictions have made it impossible to survive.
READ MORE: Bundle up: Outdoor dining at central Pa. restaurants is about to get chilly as winter arrives
John Longstreet, president and CEO of the Pennsylvania Restaurant & Lodging Association, said in a statement Friday the veto will have a “long-lasting and negative impact on the hospitality industry.”
“The PRLA has repeatedly asked the Wolf Administration to listen to struggling business owners and employees who want nothing more than to earn a living and protect their guests, employees, and families,” Longstreet said. “The administration has repeatedly rebuked requests for a return to the reasonable, well researched, and common-sense standards that were in effect before July 15.”
In July, Wolf tightened restrictions on eating establishments and rolled back indoor seating limits to 25%. A few weeks ago, he offered some relief by bumping up indoor seating to 50% but restaurant owners expressed disappointment over a new 11 p.m. cutoff for booze sales.
Not really news, totally expected.
Wolf leaves Friday afternoon f@rt.
Pennsylvania Ping!
Please ping me with articles of interest.
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BRAVO SIERRA
The "offer" was for establishments to "self certify" including a declaration that under CRIMINAL penalty for forgery (unsworn falsification) they would enforce every CDC, DOH, and DOA "guideline".
Only about 20% (too many) have taken the bait.
Why do you put up with this penn?
Just like the DemonRat here in WA - businesses closing, people out of work, taxes raised on those that survive -
I thought the restrictions were struck down by a federal judge. What changed?
I don’t.
That’s why any damning material I can find on Wolf and his self-mutilated Secretary of “Health” is posted here.
Exposure is the first step toward expulsion.
The only restrictions which were struck were on indoor and outdoor large group gathering size limits and specifically did NOT include bars and restaurants.
Per the US Third Circuit Court of Appeals the restrictions remain in force pending their ruling on the appeal of Judge Strickland’s decision.
Yes, on again/off again like a blinking beacon.
That also reduced the hours that alcohol could be served. So an increase in capacity with a decrease hours - it’s a wash. Then they had to sell their souls by self certifying. I’m surprise that someone that has lost their business over Wolf’s mandates hasn’t taken things into his own hands.
Power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely.
And democrats are the perfect example of this.
It has gone straight to their heads and they are so out of line in their blatant power grab.
When is this turkey up for re-election? (Apologies to turkeys)
He is a roasted turduck...TERM LIMITS!
Halfway through his final term.
But he is a dangerous lame duck.
I read today that every tossup state except Florida has a democrat governor. That’s probably why a state that could be very conservative is a contested state. Lots more cheating available when you have a democrat governor. Hopefully this time there are more people angry at the government then there are people getting paid ( welfare and gov jobs) by the government.
Hoping the PA voters are thinking this through on the 3rd.
What a dick. Practically handing PA to Trump?
Ah, I see. Thanks
String him up.....
Anyone want to bet against the fact that the Democrats in the legislature who voted for this bill will gutlessly slink back into line and NOT vote to override?
Every single Republican running for state House or Senate better get a campaign mailer out immediately when that happens. What better timing could you ask for?
Personally I prefer the Third Defenestration of Prague (1618) treatment.
PA is a huge ag state so there are plenty of “honeywagons” available.
What do you expect? He is only a democrat. If he were normal, he might reconsider.
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