Raleigh to cut off alcohol sales early to help slow spread of COVID-19
Raleigh Mayor Mary-Ann Baldwin plans to cut off alcohol sales at 11 p.m. starting next week to help slow the spread of COVID-19.
“Some Glenwood South owners are going to voluntarily stop serving at 11 p.m. this weekend,” Baldwin said Friday. “And we are looking at issuing an order Monday with an 11 p.m. stop time. There is still work to be done, so I don’t have more details at this time.”
Hibernian Pub and Raleigh Beer Garden both wrote on Instagram their last call will be 11 p.m. until further notice.
“It is most important to us for our staff and guests to stay safe and to do our part in slowing the spread of the virus,” according to the Instagram posts. “Our staff will follow all protocol, as we have since the start of this, and take all necessary precautions so we can provide a wonderful dining experience for you.”
Restaurants that serve alcohol, particularly in the Glenwood South area in downtown Raleigh, have seen packed crowds and a lack of social distancing in recent weeks.
There were more than 8,300 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Wake County as of Friday morning with more than 5,000 of those cases within Raleigh. And 25-to 34-year-olds now make up the largest portion of Wake County’s confirmed cases.
Baldwin said her order will apply to the entire city and that Glenwood South is not the only area of concern.
Businesses normally get a few days notice to prepare for and ensure compliance, Baldwin said, so it wouldn’t be fair to order an early last call for this weekend.
Raleigh City Council member Patrick Buffkin tweeted Friday about the risks of going out to a bar during the pandemic.
“I see this as a protective measure to slow the spread of the virus,” he said. “Allowing late-night partying just isn’t worth the risk to public health.”
Orange County stopped alcohol sales in restaurants, clubs and food and beverage establishments at 10 p.m. as of July 10. Charlotte and other towns in Mecklenburg County are considering a similar order.
South Carolina also restricted alcohol sales past 11 p.m. to stop the spread of COVID-19 among young people, The State reported.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention consider restaurant and bar patrons and their employees at “lowest risk” when only take-out, delivery and curb-side service are allowed. The level rises to “more risk” when outdoor seating is available and “even more risk” when indoor dining is allowed but seating capacity is reduced to be at least six feet apart.
The “highest risk” is when there is indoor and outdoor seating, seating is not reduced and tables aren’t spaced at least 6 feet apart.
This story was originally published July 17, 2020 at 1:14 PM.
