Bars, Nightclubs—Last Remaining Shuttered Nonessential Businesses—Can Reopen June 1

In addition to our normal news coverage, What Now Atlanta is tracking ways Atlanta’s businesses are adapting to the novel coronavirus and the challenges it brings to brick-and-mortars.

Bars and nightclubs, the last remaining nonessential businesses still shuttered by state mandate, throughout Georgia will be able to reopen on Monday, June 1.

Gov. Brian Kemp on Thursday announced he would let the restrictions for those businesses expire May 31, 2020, as planned.

Operators that reopen bars and nightclubs must adhere to 39 state-issued safety guidelines including performing health screenings on employees and limiting capacity.

Restaurants have been using those same guidelines since bringing dining rooms and patios back online starting April 27.

It’s unclear when those guidelines will be eased.

While the state nears complete reopening, Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms says the City is only on Phase II of her five-phase reopening plan.

Gov. Kemp’s order supersedes the Mayor’s.

Atlanta neighborhoods, like the Old Fourth Ward, are taking a similar position to that of the Mayor’s, asking its businesses to “pledge” to a whopping 64 safety measures when reopening—25 more than what the state is requiring.

So far, more than 30 businesses and counting have taken the pledge.

Other actions by Kemp Thursday included extending Georgia’s public health emergency through July 12 and is continuing to “urge” Georgians to wear masks while in public, although not required.

Public gatherings starting Monday will also be allowed up to groups of 25 whereas previously the cap was 10, so as long as social distancing measures are in place.

[Editor’s note: The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic is rapidly evolving as is its effect on Atlanta, and the City’s businesses and its residents. Click here for What Now Atlanta’s ongoing coverage of the crisis. For guidance and updates on the pandemic, please visit the C.D.C. website.]