After many New York bar operators added tiny snacks to their menus to comply with new alcohol-sales rules, the state’s liquor control agency updated those guidelines this week to clarify that those snacks are insufficient.
The New York State Liquor Authority revised its guidance to note that “a bag of chips, bowl of nuts, or candy alone” are not enough to satisfy the requirement. Bar owners must serve “sandwiches, soups or other foods.”
To determine whether a food item is of adequate substance, operators should ensure that customers “are enjoying a sit-down dining experience among a small group with drinks, i.e. a meal, and not a drinking bar-type experience” which can lead to behaviors that can spread the coronavirus, according to the agency.
Similarly, Pennsylvania’s Liquor Control Board this week said bars must serve a “meal” prepared on-premise that is sufficient enough to constitute breakfast, lunch or dinner.
“The definition expressly states that a snack, such as pretzels, popcorn, chips or similar food, does not meet the definition of a meal,” the agency wrote.
Gary Santimyer, owner of the Colonial Grille in Irwin, Pa., said he removed the small items from his menu after seeing the updated rules.
“When I put my menu together, I chose to take the ridiculous stance by offering one slice of toast, two pieces of shrimp or a basket of popcorn for a dime,” Santimyer said. “My point was to show the ridiculousness of the rule … One day, you’re allowed to do one thing. The next day, you’re not allowed to do it.”
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo last week announced stricter rules for bars and restaurants, including a three-strike system for noncompliance with social distancing and mask requirements.
Bars around the country, even more so than restaurants, are subject to increasing and ever-changing restrictions as elected officials seek to slow the pandemic’s spread.
Here are some of the most-recent rollbacks of bar operations:
- Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey on Thursday extended his executive order closing all bars indefinitely, though they can continue to provide takeout, carryout and delivery. “You are safer at home,” Ducey said.
- On Thursday, Washington Gov. Jay Inslee shut down all indoor bar service and outlawed alcohol service after 10 p.m.
- Chicago’s bars are closed for indoor service, starting today.
- Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett ordered all bars there closed from today until August 12. Bar seating in restaurants is also shut down.
- West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice on Thursday extended the closure of bars in Monongalia County for an additional 10 days, saying that going to a bar “is among the riskiest things we can do at a time where we’re trying to contain this terrible virus,” according to media reports.
- In Louisiana, bars are closed until at least August 7. They were scheduled to reopen today.
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