ORLANDO, Fla. — Florida bars have been under the microscope since the coronavirus pandemic began.
With state rules keeping bars closed, some owners are wondering if they will ever reopen.
A group of bar owners in downtown Orlando have organized their own meetings during the crisis to discuss issues, comparing notes and hoping for the best. Some of them said they cannot hold out much longer without revenue.
“I personally am frustrated because I don’t see why we can’t go by the same guidelines and adhere by the rules that everyone else is doing,” bar owner Tony Smith said.
Smith owns two bars, The Lucky Lure and The Florida Room, with his wife. Both businesses primarily patio style, open-air establishments, but because they do not serve food, the cannot reopen.
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Smith, like others, has heard little from the state until this weekend, when the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation secretary announced his office was organizing meetings about opening up.
A DBPR spokesperson could not say when the meetings will be scheduled, who will be involved or the forum.
Cox Media Group
