Gov. Brian Kemp Pushes Reopening of Bars, Nightclubs to May 31

Last few remaining 'non-essential' businesses that have yet to reopen were originally set to do so May 15.

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Bars, nightclubs, and live entertainment venues are going to have to sit tight a little longer before being given the green light to reopen.

Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp at a press conference Tuesday announced he is extending the reopening timeline for those “non-essential” businesses from May 15 to May 31.

All non-essential Businesses were ordered to close at the beginning of April to slow the spread of COVID-19.

Bars, nightclubs, and live entertainment venues are the last to reopen.

“I know that this extension is difficult for many Georgia business owners and communities that have music venues,” Kemp said.

“However, we believe that waiting a little bit longer will enhance health outcomes and give folks the opportunity to prepare for safe reopening in the near future.”

Restaurants were able to start reopening dining rooms on Monday, April 27 so as long as owners followed 39 state-issued guidelines.

Barbershops, salons, and bowling alleys were among the first to be able to resurface as early as Friday, April 24.

Separate guidance was issued for those businesses.

A statewide shelter-in-place order expired at the end of April with the exception of Georgia’s “medically fragile” citizens which was extended through June 12.


[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.]

Caleb J. Spivak

Caleb J. Spivak

Caleb J. Spivak

Caleb J. Spivak

8 Responses

  1. Oh c’mon Brian…
    I just got some fresh ink, got my nails and hairs did, and hit the gym.
    I was all ready to go to da club this weekend to show it all off, and get me some strange!
    WTH?

  2. We have failed to contain the virus. That means everyone’s going to get it sooner or later. It’s just a matter of staggering the impact enough for the healthcare system to accommodate it. It appears that we are well below that threshold. Hospitals have unused capacity right now especially with so many elective procedures (normally the majority of volume) postponed.

    I have no love for Kemp, but re-opening is the right thing to do. The only thing I don’t understand is why the people most antsy to re-open the economy are also the ones least interested in taking the super basic measures needed to make that successful (wear a mask, limit meeting sizes, keep your distance, etc.).

    1. Hospitals are completely EMPTY! I live right down the street from Atlanta Medical Center and Grady Memorial Hospital and nobody is there! Plus this virus for the most part isn’t even deadly. Unless you’re 60 or older or have a disease like AIDS (among other chronic health conditions), you’ll be fine.

      1. “… this virus for the most part isn’t even deadly. Unless you’re 60 or older…”

        So it’s not deadly. Except for the ~20% of the population for which it is…

    2. “I have no love for Kemp, but re-opening is the right thing to do. The only thing I don’t understand is why the people most antsy to re-open the economy are also the ones least interested in taking the super basic measures needed to make that successful (wear a mask, limit meeting sizes, keep your distance, etc.).”
      THIS!!!
      Their rights are being infringed upon, and they have no concerns about others’ rights.
      I am definitely holding off on an elective procedure.
      Hospitals are where you catch the creepy stuff…

      1. Yeah, keep holding off on procedures that could potentially save your life like dental cleanings I’m not afraid of any virus!

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