The Sierra Madre Saloon in Hampden Township pictured earlier this year. Owner Bill Kokos said the latest mandate from the Wolf administration restricting alcohol sales after 5 p.m. on Nov. 25 doesn't make sense.
Posted on 11/23/2020 2:42:05 PM PST by lightman
Restaurant owners say they aren’t sure how a 5 p.m. booze cutoff on one of the biggest bar nights of the year will help to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus.
Already, last call for bars and eating establishments in Pennsylvania is 11 p.m. Plus, nightclubs are not permitted to operate.
“It doesn’t make sense. All you’ve’ done is targeted one industry and pushed them to the brink. People are going to go somewhere else,” said Bill Kokos, owner of the Sierra Madre Saloon in Hampden Township.
As part of a press conference with Pa. Gov. Tom Wolf, Health Secretary Dr. Rachel Levine announced today alcohol sales will end at 5 p.m. for one day only - on Wednesday, Nov. 25, the day before Thanksgiving. It is one of the biggest nights for bars and restaurants next to New Year’s Eve and St. Patrick’s Day.
In addition, the administration announced several new measures, described as “targeted” steps,” including certification for school districts that remain open and more emphasis on companies allowing employees to work from home. Wolf also advised residents to stay home when possible and refrain from traveling during the holidays.
For restaurant owners like Matt Flinchbaugh of Flinchy’s in Lower Allen Township, the 5 p.m. cutoff adds another level of frustration, already placed on an industry that has been hard hit.
“She has changed nothing but our bottom line,” he said, speaking of Levine. “She has done nothing but take money from us when we have no money.”
Among Flinchbaugh’s concerns is a lack of limits imposed on retail businesses Nov. 27 for Black Friday. The day kicks off the start of the holiday shopping season.
Flinchbaugh said last weekend he encountered long lines at some big box stores, something he views as unfair.
“You are going to restrict us and not one restriction on retail for the biggest holiday, the biggest day of the year?” he said.
READ MORE: Pa. restaurant/bar owners make plea to Gov. Wolf for financial help and a reopening plan
Pennsylvania House Republican Caucus Spokesman Jason Gottesman echoed Flinchbaugh’s concerns.
“While Pennsylvanians prepare to go Black Friday shopping at big box retailers unrestricted by new orders from Gov. Wolf, bars and restaurants are going to be left to languish under more onerous limitations on their ability to do business during what should be a robust holiday season,” he said in a statement.
Kokos said he’s not sure how ending alcohol sales at 5 p.m., only six hours before the current 11 p.m. last call will help eliminate the spread of the virus. Diners can still eat and order non-alcoholic drinks, while some will likely turn to house parties, where mitigation measures won’t be practiced, he said.
“You could end up exasperating the situation,” Kokos said.
In addition, he questioned if places like convenience stores will still be permitted to sell beer and wine after 5 p.m.
Chuck Moran, executive director of the Pennsylvania Licensed Beverage and Tavern Association, said the industry understands COVID cases are increasing and it is being “asked to sacrifice in order to play a role in saving lives of Pennsylvanians.”
However, Moran said the industry doesn’t understand why it’s not receiving significant financial help to assist taverns and licensed restaurants.
“As this crisis continues, more small businesses are closing while their employees lose jobs,” Moran said. “Help is needed now, not later. Many small businesses cannot sustain continued targeted mitigation without help from either the federal or state government.”
The Sierra Madre Saloon in Hampden Township pictured earlier this year. Owner Bill Kokos said the latest mandate from the Wolf administration restricting alcohol sales after 5 p.m. on Nov. 25 doesn't make sense.
Pennsylvania Ping!
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They’re not trying to mitigate the ‘rona. They’re trying to turn us into a 3rd world shithole.
C’mon Man.
Everyone knows Covis only infects people after 5:00pm.
Respect the SCIENCE ! /s
I meant COVID
not spear points
it’s drinking time, dontcha know...
[ˌmeɡələˈmānēˌak]
NOUN
1) a person who is obsessed with their own power.
ADJECTIVE
1) exhibiting megalomania.
uhhhh, that would have been “clovis”
I don’t start till it’s 5.
The politicos are already acting like little Hitlers. Buncha worthless know-it-alls thirsting for unearned respect, while ordering the serfs to follow unneeded edicts from the control freak turds getting their jollies pushing us around. Everyday, a new rule to obey, or else!
Because everyone knows the virus becomes more active after 5 PM.
SHE?! I don't know WTF that is.
-—“You could end up exasperating the situation,” Kokos said.-—
As long as they don’t end up exacerbating the situation.
You wear the masks without revolt. You’ll accept the kickings.
They steal your election and arbitrarily shut you down. Don’t whine to the press - do something.
Ignore the Gov. Shun the police that try and shut you down.
Kind of stupid thinking you are going to talk some sense into psychopaths.
Needs to be hit by a Mack truck whatever it is.
THAT, mt FRiend, is Cousin it.
Hey I just said that in a post!!
It’s the GREAT RESET
Wolf et al are doing it because they CAN, not because they SHOULD for scientific health reasons.
See tag line.
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