'Open Bars, Restaurants By May 1' Tavern League Urges Governor

MADISON, WI — After Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers extended the state's stay-at-home order another month to May 26, the Wisconsin Tavern League issued their own reply, calling for the reopening of local bars, restaurants and supper clubs across the state on May 1.

In a statement, Tavern League of Wisconsin president Chris Marsicano said, "on May 26, when the current Stay at Home Order ends, the challenges facing Wisconsin in fighting the Coronavirus will essentially be the same as they are today, with no vaccine available. According to experts, a vaccine will not be widely available for 12 to 18 months. Wisconsinites cannot live under a Stay at Home Order for the next 12 to 18 months."

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Marsicano said state officials can take the lessons learned from the variety of essential businesses that have operated over the last month amid the coronavirus public health emergency, and expand upon them to open up more businesses across the state.

"Let’s work together to reopen Wisconsin’s taverns, restaurants and supper clubs while taking the important steps to protect the safety of employees and customers," he wrote.

According to the Tavern League, here are the guidelines they want state officials to follow in order to reopen businesses:

• Effective May 1

• All employees required to wear masks and gloves.

• Practice social distancing of 6 feet.

• All tables 6 feet apart.

• No tables of more than 6 people.

• Reduce on premise capacity by 50 percent.

• Outdoor eating and drinking with 6 feet distancing permitted.

• No salad bars or self-serve buffets.

• Eliminate paper menus.

• Eliminate all table condiments.

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