Gov. DeSantis discusses plans for reopening Florida’s bars, breweries

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Gov. Ron DeSantis hosted a discussion about reopening Florida bars and breweries on Thursday.

The discussion took place at Green Bench Brewing Company in St. Petersburg. Department of Business and Professional Regulation Secretary Halsey Beshears was also in attendance.

READ: Future of Orlando bars beyond COVID-19 uncertain

Bars and breweries have been lobbying to reopen after being shut down in June due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

In July the Florida Brewers Guild wrote an open letter to DeSantis and Beshears asking them for help.

READ: State suspends alcohol license for 3 downtown Orlando bars citing failure to enforce social distancing, plans to appeal underway

“The health of our community is paramount, but it cannot be at the life savings of hundreds of entrepreneurs, the livelihood of thousands of families, and the majority of an entire industry,” the letter stated.

DeSantis said he wants to reopen bars and breweries, but plans to do so have not been finalized.

Beshears said he is looking into how to reopen the businesses safely.

READ: Central Florida Brewery Guide

Watch the discussion below:

VIDEO: State suspends alcohol license for 3 downtown Orlando bars citing failure to enforce social distancing Three downtown Orlando bars have had their alcoholic vendor license suspended after the state said they failed to enforce social distancing.

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