Bars to Begin Operating at 50% Beginning Monday, September 14, 2020

On Thursday, September 10, 2020, Halsey Beshears, Secretary for the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation, issued Executive Order No. 2020-10, to allow alcohol vendors to operate under guidelines outlined in Phase 2 of the Safe. Smart. Step-by-Step Plan for Florida’s Recovery.
 
Phase 2 of the Safe. Smart. Step-by-Step Plan for Florida’s Recovery was established by Executive Order No. 20-139, issued by Governor DeSantis on June 3, 2020.  A copy of it can be found at: https://www.flgov.com/wp-content/uploads/orders/2020/EO_20-139.pdf.
 
According to the DBPR website, bars and other alcoholic beverage vendors may resume sales of alcoholic beverages for consumption on the premises at 12:01 a.m. on Monday, September 14, 2020, provided that that the operations comply with the parameters of the Phase 2 Plan. Vendors can operate at 50% of the facility’s indoor patrons, allow bar service to seated patrons, and permit outdoor seating and service with appropriate social distancing. For additional information, please visit: http://www.myfloridalicense.com/DBPR/press-releases/.
 
DBPR Secretary Halsey Beshears stated, “In meetings with hundreds of owners of bars and breweries across the State, I’ve heard their stories of struggle, and I’ve observed their serious commitment to making health and safety a continuing priority in their businesses. It’s time that we take this step, and it’s vital that we start moving forward with this sector of our hospitality industry who have endured one of the toughest paths for sustaining a business during this pandemic.
*************************************************************************************
If you have any questions, please contact the County Manager’s Office at (904) 530-6010.