March 16? It’s yesterday once more.
Amid widespread speculation, the Kentucky Restaurant Association semi-officially broke the restaurant and bar rollback story on Monday at 2:30 p.m. As of 3:30 p.m. today, the Courier Journal also was reporting it.
https://www.facebook.com/155460277850563/photos/a.272265666170023/3376192449110647/?type=3&__xts__%5B0%5D=68.ARD1ibkhZRY0bWRFi0PUNflPJqMcynaelkQDnAR38x6akH8kZs14Cm77k3s31vS_HXNXT1VAVzM7hj90ldqGB0A_qmn1rbufA7GCoy4gALd73vzkGzmm7E9RFXmLaymsjOidkZ8k8uZSm_2Na_W4-yo-P29h_d7DyPGpb3BXJSorZnBn1pP41ve1LZ4HJF15UXBISAgIcihPuNSnbtqdi6bYzzxeGS92jjGSSru7Yhgrs76msDnhI254ss2eyrpy8AMJeTQuhE0cv9DjDJWFmzVc7vcrmdndCFSTr4LC8js-vi6W3MuU8B0q3nAlzloqxRp7X1q-qI3jOfFtvvIdP2-43A&__tn__=-R
We just heard from Governor Beshear’s office. Tomorrow, Tuesday July 28 at 5 p.m. freestanding bars will close and restaurants will go to 25% (inside dining room capacity – outside is 100% with social distancing). This will be in effect for two weeks, until August 11, 2020.
On Sunday, the KRA had conceded to a measure of frustration:
“The Governor, health experts and business leaders are at the Governor’s Mansion today. One of the ‘things they’ll announce tomorrow (Monday)’ is possibly reducing restaurant capacity to 25%. Why weren’t restaurant professionals invited to the discussion about their businesses? We are tired of being kept out of the conversation when we’re desperately trying to stay in business. Restaurants are not the problem, Governor Beshear.”
Indiana’s mandatory mask edict is now in effect, albeit without enforcement mechanisms. Will the Hoosier State follow suit? Chad Coulter, owner of the Louvino and Biscuit Belly restaurants, minced few words in an earlier social media post.
Hey Andy – how about you shut down Lowe’s or Home Depot this time? They are packed every day and it’s their turn to suffer. Or, how about cancelling the KY State Fair if you are truly worried about our COVID rates? Our restaurants have served THOUSANDS of people since reopening and we have not had one staff member (thankfully) get sick. We are following guidelines and have been commended on our efforts from our customers. Restaurants and our employees have suffered enough during this time. Leave us the hell alone.
Governor Beshear’s press conference begins at 4:00 p.m. If we learn anything not already COVID here, I’ll be back to update.
