Florida’s top business regulator says he plans to set up meetings next week with bars and breweries to discuss reopening, almost a month after the state banned them from serving alcohol on-site amid a spike in coronavirus cases.
Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation Secretary Halsey Beshears said in a tweet Saturday morning the meetings would produce a “safe” plan based on “input, science and relative facts on how to reopen as soon as possible.”
In an open letter published this week, addressed to Beshears and Gov. Ron DeSantis, the Florida Brewers Guild pleaded for help, saying internal polling among its members revealed more than 100 breweries could close in two weeks without help.
The state banned on-site consumption of alcohol at all bars earning at least 50% of their income from alcohol sales in a June 26 order signed by Beshears. But restaurants and businesses that don’t earn more than half their revenue from alcohol sales were allowed to continue serving drinks.
Several downtown Orlando bar owners sued DeSantis earlier in July, alleging the order was unjust because it allowed restaurants with bars inside to continue serving alcohol while their closed businesses collectively lost millions in income.
“What possible rational basis could exist for the deprivation of rights under the state constitution when one establishment that happens to serve more food remains open while a similar establishment remains closed?” the lawsuit said.
Beshears tweeted July 17 that there would be “no change” in the order because of a continuing increase in COVID-19 cases.
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