Statement: Gov. Cooper eases restrictions but still treats private bars differently

In a press conference today, Gov. Roy Cooper announced he would ease current restrictions set on North Carolina residents. Unfortunately, private bars are still being treated unfairly and differently from other bars, such as those in restaurants, breweries, and wineries. For the first time since March 2020, private bars will be able to serve their customers indoors while following health and safety protocols. While many private bars have already closed their doors for good, permitting private bars to operate indoors will allow these businesses an opportunity to adapt and hopefully stay afloat for a while longer.

In response to the news, Pacific Legal Foundation attorney Jessica Thompson said: “Like all North Carolinians, we’re ecstatic to see COVID-19 numbers receding. After almost a year of forced closure, we’re grateful the Governor has eased restrictions on indoor service, but we’re disappointed that the Governor still refuses to treat private bars on equal footing with the vast majority of bars open across the State. There’s no scientific evidence supporting this disparate treatment — it boils down to economic favoritism — and North Carolinians deserve better.”

Jessica Thompson is an attorney at Pacific Legal Foundation which represents, free of charge, Club 519 in their lawsuit, Crystal Waldron and Club 519 v. Governor Roy A. Cooper.