BRADENTON – Gov. Ron DeSantis says he does not anticipate reopening bars without food licenses anytime soon.
During Saturday’s press conference at Blake Medical Center in Bradenton, The Sun asked DeSantis about the bar prohibitions recently imposed and later amended by Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation Secretary Halsey Beshears.
“We set out a plan for some of the counties – not all of the counties, not south Florida – that they would be able to operate just like a restaurant with limited capacity seating. The problem was no one was following that. I get that’s not how they want to operate, but we were getting reports of having packed, party-type situations. That was not a part of the guidelines,” DeSantis said.
“I want them to be able to operate, but I also want them to do it consistent with the Step-by-Step plan and we just weren’t able to get that done. So right now, we’re not making any changes. Status quo. As we get in a more stable situation, we’ll take a look at it,” DeSantis said.
DeSantis said he’s not blaming bars for the recent increase in COVID-19 cases.
“It’s definitely not their fault, but at the same time, we tried to do these guidelines. We consulted with physicians, we consulted with different people and we just felt that it’s not like flipping a switch, it’s gonna take some time. But that’s the plan, and if the plan wasn’t being followed there’s not a way we’re going to be able to do it,” DeSantis said before leaving the press conference.
On March 17, DeSantis issued an executive order that prohibited the on-site consumption of alcohol at establishments that generate more than 50% of their revenue from those types of sales. On June 5, DeSantis allowed bars to reopen at 50% capacity.
On June 26, Beshears closed many Florida bars for a second time when he issued DBPR Emergency Order 2020-09.
“During the month of June, the number of individuals testing positive for COVID-19 increased significantly in the State of Florida, especially among younger individuals. Some of these cases involving younger individuals are suspected to have originated from visits to bars, pubs or nightclubs who have disregarded the restrictions set forth in Phase 2 of the Safe.Smart.Step-by-Step plan for Florida’s recovery,” Beshears’ order says.
On July 1, Beshears amended his order in a manner that allowed some bars and fraternal organizations to reopen.
“Vendors licensed to sell alcoholic beverages for consumption on the premises, and also licensed to offer food service, may continue to operate as restaurants,” his amended order says.
DeSantis invited to Reopen Bars forum
Fort Lauderdale attorney Jacob Weil will host a virtual Reopen Bars roundtable discussion on Thursday, July 23 at 2 p.m.
According to a press release issued last week, The Weil Law Group is representing hundreds of Florida bar owners who’ve been affected by the bar closure orders.
Darla Tingler, owner of the Anchor Inn in Holmes Beach, and Joe Harris, co-owner of Papa Joe’s Sports Bar and owner of Scalawags Pub in north Sarasota, are among the Manatee County bar owners Weil has spoken with.
“Formal invitations have been sent to Gov. Ron DeSantis and Secretary of the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation Halsey Beshears. Other officials are also being invited,” the press release notes.
“This forum will be an opportunity for state and local government leaders to discuss with bar owners, operators, professionals and experts the effects of current policies, the concerns of the industry and safe, common-sense solutions to reopen Florida’s bar industry. This is not a hostile event, but rather an opportunity for those in charge to gain perspective from small business owners bearing the costs of the current policy in place,” the press release says.
The July 23 roundtable will be hosted online via Zoom and anyone may join the roundtable discussion by visiting www.reopenflbars.com and selecting the “Round Table” menu option at the top of the page. The roundtable will also be livestreamed via Facebook and YouTube.
