Alcohol sales banned in Pennsylvania for Thanksgiving

Pennsylvania Health Secretary Dr. Rachel Levine ordered the suspension of alcohol sales at all bars and restaurants for one night in an attempt to slow down COVID-19 cases.

Levine says the alcohol sales suspension starts at 5 p.m. Wednesday and will stay in effect through 8 a.m. Thanksgiving Day. Traditionally during this night that many people return to their hometowns and go out drinking with childhood friends.

The order comes as 4,762 new cases of COVID-19 were reported on Monday in addition to the 7,075 cases reported Sunday for a two-day total of 11,837. The total amount of cases in the state is now 314,401.

Levine announced the new restrictions and recommendations as she said “transmission of COVID-19 is reaching new heights.”

Bars and restaurant owners in the Philadelphia area are reacting to new restrictions on alcohol sales on Thanksgiving eve.

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Abc7 collected in a report, the reactions of several business owners in the city who feel affected by this ban on alcohol sales on that important date.

According to Matthew Yeck of Gaul & Co. Malt House, the new restriction goes beyond a simple prohibition. “It’s a little bit more than salt in the wound, this is our life. We’re dealing with real-life consequences.”

It´s going to hurt

At John Henry’s Pub, owner Kathy Kearney got said, “It’s really hard. It’s been tough trying to make those weekly decisions on how to keep your business open. Every little bit counts. All the money going out the door, everything incoming, every cent counts. It’s going to hurt.

“The new restriction on alcohol sales hits a bit harder for businesses in Philadelphia, which on Friday lost the ability to serve patrons indoors altogether.

“You’re going to have a lot of college kids home. They’re going to be hanging out in their basements, apartments,” said Jim Kirk, co-owner of Kite and Key.

“I understand the mentality of not having a packed college bar, but we’re restaurants,” added Matthew Rossi, owner of Nick’s Roast Beef.