Skating rinks, bowling alleys bill heads to governor

The governor may veto the measure, and he has 10 days to decide once the bill arrives. Lawmakers are also awaiting his decision on a measure to reopen gyms and bars in the state over his orders closing them during the coronavirus pandemic.

It's possible some of these businesses will be allowed to reopen regardless of the bills, and as soon as the end of next week. That's when "Phase 3" of Cooper's three-part reopening strategy was initially slated to start, though that's not guaranteed.

The governor has said to expect an announcement next week.

Business owners, Republican lawmakers said Thursday, don't trust the timeline. Many of them expected to open in Phase 2, which began weeks ago, but they weren't included when the governor announced details.

Senate Bill 599 deals with bowling alleys and skating rinks, and it's also got a section that would let minor league baseball stadiums host dinners to generate at least some revenue. It cleared the Senate 32-15.

All the no votes came form Democrats, though six joined the Republican majority in voting for the bill.

This is one of several reopen bills at various stages in the legislative process, and the governor has complained that they take away the flexibility he has to order businesses closed if the state sees a spike in COVID-19 cases.

Sen. Joyce Krawiec, R-Forsyth, said there is risk in everything and that it's "time to get some sense of normalcy for our children."

"There may be some risk," she said of opening skating rinks and bowling alleys. "We take risks every day. I know that I am safer staying home than getting in my car and driving to Raleigh ... but I'm not willing to live like that."