The following is a statement from Chuck Moran, Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Licensed Beverage and Tavern Association, concerning today’s announcement from Governor Wolf to ease COVID-19 restrictions on Pennsylvania taverns and restaurants.

 

Last week in formal communications with Governor Tom Wolf, the Pennsylvania Licensed Beverage and Tavern Association made the point that the time had come to take a step or two towards normalcy, asking him to move last call to a later time, allow bar top seating, remove food requirements, and increase occupancy limits, in licensees’ establishments where safety protocols are followed.

As our neighboring states were relaxing different types of industry restrictions, Pennsylvania’s small business taverns and licensed restaurants were being put at a competitive disadvantage, particularly those near the state line.

With the rollout of COVID-19 vaccines improving, and more Americans receiving their shots, it would make sense to begin efforts to repair the Pennsylvania economy by safely easing some restrictions.

Our Association was pleased today that Governor Wolf heard our message. Effective April 4, taverns and restaurants may resume bar service; alcohol service will be allowed without the purchase of food; the curfew for removing alcoholic drinks from tables will be lifted; and indoor dining capacity will be raised to 75 percent for those restaurants that are currently self-certified and those that undergo the self-certification process. Those establishments that are not self-certified may raise capacity to 50 percent.

Needless to say, it has been a very long year for mom-and-pop taverns and licensed restaurants, which have been the tip of the spear in this fight against COVID-19. And, while we celebrate the news today, we do so with caution realizing the virus is still here. As the light at the end of the tunnel appears a little brighter today, it is our hope that with continued success from our country’s medical scientists and the rollout of the vaccine, that we’ll be out of this dark place soon.

But for now, the Pennsylvania Licensed Beverage and Tavern Association is pleased that our Members will soon see some restrictions eased.

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About the Pennsylvania Licensed Beverage and Tavern Association

The Pennsylvania Licensed Beverage and Tavern Association is a statewide association based in Harrisburg, representing small business taverns and licensed restaurants in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The Association formed in 1941, reorganized in 2019, and today advocates for best practices and rights within the industry as well as best experiences for patrons.