Business

Durham bars prepare to welcome guests inside after nearly a year

On Friday evening at 5 p.m., a major shift in COVID-related restrictions occurred as Governor Cooper's new executive order took effect: No more curfew. More people gathering in restaurants, bars, and sporting events.

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By
Lora Lavigne
, WRAL Durham reporter
DURHAM, N.C. — On Friday evening at 5 p.m., a major shift in COVID-related restrictions occurred as Governor Cooper's new executive order took effect: No more curfew. More people gathering in restaurants, bars, and sporting events.

To help prevent the spread of COVID, temperature checks will be required at the door, and seating must be spread out.

Staff at The Roof inside The Durham Hotel are hoping the eased restrictions means they can get back to running a full operation soon.

“Before the pandemic, it was pretty chaotic," said manager Maraja Miles. "We had about 250 people deep, 70 in the bar."

Pandemic restrictions have forced the bar to become more orderly, less chaotic – all tables at least six feet apart, pod areas on the deck, air filtration flowing.

“Hearing this new update, we were slightly excited to bring back some old employees, get people back to work,” said Miles.

The lifted curfew and extended alcohol sales will make for a more promising business downtown.

“It’s been over 11 months since we’ve had a guest inside to sit and enjoy themselves,” said Sean Umstead, owner of Kingfisher bar.

The staff is now preparing to welcome people back inside after nearly a year.

“They’ll be hand sanitizer stations all over and obviously everyone will be masked,” said Umstead.

While 30% occupancy for them is only about 20 people, Umstead said something is better than nothing. They’re working on a reservation system to help the new process run smoothly.

“Up until now, we were always weather dependent, so, for example, tonight it’s going to rain, and we probably won’t be able to operate our burger shop," said Umstead. "But this gives us a revenue stream. It allows us to pay our staff and keep them employed."

While these changes may bring more people out and about, Mayor Steve Schewel said city officials are on standby to handle compliance concerns.

“We haven’t had any major issues so far. But If we do see isolated instances where people are not complying, we’re certainly ready to enforce the rules,” he said.

Schewel said so far the city hasn’t had to use any enforcement – but reminded resident now is not the time to let your guard down.

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