Allegheny County orders bars, restaurants to halt on-premises dining for a week

Bars, restaurants and casinos in Allegheny County must close for one week, under a new order from Health Director Debra Bogen.

The order takes effect Friday. Takeout and delivery food orders are still permitted.

The order, Bogen said, is meant to mitigate the rapid increase in coronavirus cases in the county. Health officials announced more than 230 new cases Thursday, more than doubling the county’s previous record for a single-day jump.

“This is not a decision that I’ve made lightly,” Bogen said in a statement. “But I believe it’s necessary based on the new cases in the county and the community spread that is occurring.”

Earlier this week, Bogen had banned the on-site consumption of alcohol in bars and restaurants, sparking backlash from some owners of those establishments. Gov. Tom Wolf also expanded an order on the use of masks, requiring them to be worn in outdoor situations where social distancing cannot be maintained.

“I know that people were angry and frustrated with recent developments including the surge in cases, the prior order and recommendations, as well as the state mask order,” Bogen said in a statement. “I also realize that this newest order won’t make any of that better, but as Health Department director, I am charged with protecting, promoting and preserving the health and well-being of all county residents, particularly the most vulnerable.”

Also as part of the order, gatherings and events are to be limited to 25 people — excluding religious gatherings. Bogen also recommended a voluntary stay-at-home protocol for county residents.

At a news conference Wednesday, Bogen said many of the new cases have been linked to 40 different bars and restaurants. Around 15 local establishments were cited more than once among new cases, she said, and many were reportedly not following mask or social distance protocols. Employees at 12 different restaurants or bars have tested positive, according to a news release.

Bogen also said four infected people reported that they participated in recent protests over racial injustice. Two of the four had also visited bars and restaurants.

Still, about 50 people protested in front of the Allegheny County Courthouse on Thursday afternoon, before Bogen’s newest order, protesting the prohibition of on-site alcohol consumption. Many said that order would cripple the industry.

Employees and entrepreneurs in the restaurant industry expressed shock at Bogen’s new order Thursday afternoon.

“I can’t go against what they’re saying. But do I think it’s unfair? Yes,” said Joe Kolek, manager of Anchor Inn in Harrison. “People should think and ask some questions before they shut people down. I think it’s an overreaction.”

For many restaurateurs, the order feels ill-timed, as establishments are just beginning to return from several months of limited business amid the pandemic. Jim Brown, owner of Frick Park Tavern in Regent Square, said his profits have dwindled since the beginning of the pandemic in March. Another week of closure will risk another 30 to 35%, he estimated.

“This is really killing us bad,” he said. “I want us to be safe — I want the whole community to be safe.”

Several felt the order unfairly punished restaurants. They felt the restriction should have targeted bars and nightclubs, where alcohol consumption is greater and patrons are usually in closer quarters.

“We’ve been following the rules with the social distancing,” said Anthony Roman, owner of Roman Bistro in Forest Hills. “We’ve been following the rules with the sanitation. We don’t have big crowds. We don’t have large gatherings. We’re being punished for the nightclubs.”

Roman said his restaurant is “hanging on by a thread.”

Others were frustrated that nonessential businesses in other sectors aren’t seeing similar restrictions.

“Who are they to decide which businesses are vital and not vital?” said Tony Fratangelo, a manager at the LeMont in Mt. Washington. “You can walk through a Wal-Mart or a Home Depot and they’re packed solid. Does coronavirus just target restaurants and bars?”

Starting Friday, every county in Pennsylvania will be in Wolf’s green phase of reopening. In a news release, Wolf supported locally-imposed restrictions that exceed the state’s general guidance.

“The Wolf Administration supports local officials who choose to maintain additional restrictions, such as the restrictions in place in Philadelphia and Allegheny counties, and has honored requests for more restrictions throughout the phased reopening process,” the release said.

John Longstreet, president and CEO of the Pennsylvania Restaurant and Lodging Association, said the group will work with county officials to develop plans after the shutdown.

“Our goal is to ensure that these establishments can operate continuously and safely,” Longstreet said in a statement. “The arduous shutdown period caused tremendous job loss and suffering. However, health and safety of hospitality employees and guest must come first.”