‘Let us go back to work!’ Local bar owners try to figure out next steps as they stay closed Memorial Day weekend

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Today, local bar owners gathered on Jacksonville’s Westside for the “Open our Bars Rally” to discuss their concerns and a possible course of action, since they have been shut down since March. Action News Jax reporter Courtney Cole spoke to a local bar owner about still not being able to re-open their doors in Florida and the ramifications it has on owners, staff and sales associates.

• We are currently in FULL phase-one of re-opening in Florida, but bars have not been allowed to re-open.
• Restaurants have been allowed to re-open and operate at 50% capacity.
• Restaurants operate under a SRX license, which require restaurants to have least 51% food sales.
• Bars, like St. Nick’s Lounge, in St. Nicholas, operate under what is called a 4-COP License.
• They’ve been shutdown since 5 p.m. on March 17, 2020.
• Bar owners are furious restaurants have been allowed to sell mixed to-go drinks, but they also said it’s illegal under regulations put in place by Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco.

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