Just when things were starting to feel a tiny bit normal, Governor Gavin Newsom announced the closure of bars and breweries across the state. Newsom cited "the rising spread of COVID-19" as the reason for the closure and reminded us that the reopening process is like raising a dimmer, not like flicking a light switch.
The order announced the closure of bars in the following counties:
- Fresno
- Imperial
- Kern
- Kings
- Los Angeles
- San Joaquin
- Tulare
Newsom also recommended bars close in these counties:
- Contra Costa
- Riverside
- Sacramento
- San Bernardino
- Santa Barbara
- Santa Clara
- Stanislaus
- Ventura
We've spoken to many local breweries during our Small Business Shoutout segments in the last few months. So what does this closure mean for those operating in LA County? The order closes any bar, brewery, or brewpub that does not serve food at the same time.
A statement from the California Department of Public Health stated its reason for singling out bars:
"Bars are social environments where groups of people mix. In these environments alcohol consumption reduces inhibition and impairs judgment, leading to reduced compliance with recommended core personal protective measures, such as the mandatory use of face coverings and the practice of social and physical distancing. Bars are generally louder environments requiring raised voices leading to the greater projection of droplets. These factors present a higher likelihood of transmission of COVID-19 within groups, between groups, and among the workforce. Public health professionals within California and throughout the nation have identified bars as the highest risk sector of non-essential business currently open."
We spoke to Bart Avery, owner of Bravery Brewing Co. , in Lancaster about what this means for his business and businesses like his across LA County. Listen below: