ORLANDO, Fla. — Editor’s note: This story is available as a result of a content partnership between WFTV and the Orlando Business Journal.
Central Florida's leaders are not ready to reopen bars yet during the coronavirus pandemic.
During a July 27 press conference, both Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings and Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer cited issues with confined spaces and the potential for additional Covid-19 spread. That comes as Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation Secretary Halsey Beshears is meeting this week with breweries and bars throughout the state on the potential to reopen.
The department closed bars on June 26 after issuing an executive order. On July 1, the department revised its ban and allowed all vendors to sell alcohol for off-site consumption.
Dyer said if bars were to reopen, there would have to be strict monitoring, accountability for owners and statewide standards in place. He added that he saw breweries as different than bars, and they might be able to figure out a safe way to operate.
Click here to read Ryan Lynch’s story on the Orlando Business Journal’s website.
Cox Media Group
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