On-Site Alcohol Sales Banned At Bars And Restaurants In Allegheny County Amid Coronavirus Spike
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- It's a move that has shocked, surprised and even disappointed some. But it's also a decision that has received praise from Governor Tom Wolf.
On Sunday, Allegheny County officials decided to restrict people from drinking in bars, and they specifically called out two neighborhoods: South Side and Oakland.
They're calling those "areas of concern."
"Shockingly I knew it was coming but I didn't expect it this quick," said Matthew Voelkur, Manager of Nadine's.
Matthew Voelkur and his family owned business, Nadine's, in South Side reopened to the public just a few weeks ago.
"Only being open for 18 days, it's kinda starting to get back in the swing of things and it's good to see people," said Voelkur.
But with a recent surge in positive COVID-19 cases, Allegheny County officials announced on Sunday that in order to slow the spread, they needed to make a move.
They decided to restrict people from consuming alcohol inside bars. Those that serve food can continue to do so and offer the to-go cocktails, but for Nadine's it's not worth it to remain open.
"We've been busy for breakfasts, but lunch and dinners are down, there's not a lot of people working in office buildings down here and everything else that is going on with it they've been rather slow."
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Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald says since COVID-19 cases were first confirmed in the state, Allegheny County has led the state in the number of new cases.
Instead, doors will have to shut, again. During this time off, Voelkur is looking to spend time with family and is hoping to reopen in a few weeks.
"We get a lot of frontline workers. The nurses, the cops, and a lot of people that work that 3rd shift that are looking for a beer or whatever at 7 o'clock in the morning looking forward a good meal."
The ban is already in effect, but it won't be enforced until Tuesday at 5 p.m.