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.
Resataurantuers aren’t the only Atlanta entrepreneurs voicing concerns over Gov. Brian Kemp’s Monday announcement to start reopening Georgia’s businesses as early as Friday, April 24.
The inclusion of bowling alleys, which are on a short-list of businesses able to start welcoming back customers at the end of the week, is leaving a lot of Atlantans puzzled including Justin Amick, president and CEO of Painted Hospitality, the owner and operator of The Painted Pin and The Painted Duck.
“Although I couldn’t be happier to have bowling solidified as one of life’s most essential needs, I’m surprised by the accelerated timeline to be able to reopen our doors to the public,” Amick said in a prepared statement to What Now Atlanta Tuesday.
“We can’t wait to get back to work, but the decision feels premature. Small businesses, including restaurants, bars and entertainment venues, are currently fighting for their lives due to the nationwide forced closures. On one hand, we need to be open to be able to survive, but we only have one opportunity to get it right, there are no second chances.”
Reopening Friday will be contingent on strict, state-issued safety guidelines, expected to be released at any moment.
As of this writing, the only published guidelines are for salons and barbershops which are also able to reopen at the end of the week.
“We are scared to death about the new norms, strict limitations, and guidelines that will make it impossible to be financially viable,” Amick said.
“A rushed reopening could be the nail in the coffin for many companies. We won’t risk the safety of our staff, families, and patrons, as their well being is of the utmost importance. We look forward to digesting all the information and making the best decision that aligns and serves our entire community.”
[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.]
18 Responses
I walked past a smoker today who didn’t make any effort to social distance.
Smoking is about the only time that you can see what someone really blows out.
Why do you perpetuate “defiance”? It’s only a suggestion,
Not a mandate….
I don’t understand the “Defiance” in this. Kemp does not mandate masks statewide but does urge that we use them. Mayor goes further and demands everyone use them in City of Atl. Somehow this becomes some sort of bold DEFIANCE. Kemp believes everyone in the state, especially rural areas can decide this for themselves. Maybe it needs to be a requirement in a dense city, don’t know. It is now some type of defiant rebellion against the evil despotic governor.
as a nurse in hospital setting- this VIRUS is dangerous was HELL ! If you are not ignorant – wear a MASK ! its really NOT that difficult of a concept !
The flu is dangerous as hell also. If your immune system is compromised already then a virus that crystallizes in the lungs will surely harm you since you are already sick. Not wearing a mask does not make you ignorant. It should be your choice based on the FACT that the mask does not STOP one from getting a virus. Slows down is entirely different from stopping. You as a nurse should know that.
nowhere in her comment does she says it stops the virus. slowing it down is an effective method from keeping the hospitals from reaching capacity.
This literally isn’t enforceable. It’s like the mayor doesn’t understand the government hierarchy.
Agreed. It strange timing that the mayor is attempting to force something like this in public spaces. It makes no sense. And if it doesn’t make sense then it’s probably not true .
The irony in all this is the mayor was so careless and reckless she got covid but is trying to give us a sermon on the issue. No thank you.
The whole thing is weird. There is no penalty, which is a tacit admission that it’s not enforceable. Expect nobody to change their behavior as a result of this order.
It might not be enforceable, but it gives a business the right to refuse service to someone without a mask.
People act so entitled and rude to restaurant employees about masks, it’s disgusting.
You don’t like a business’s mask policy, don’t go there– there’s absolutely no reason to start arguing with employees/owners about it.
Geez common decency has absolutely devolved in this country.
This is absolutely ridiculous because most keep skipping over the FACT that a mask, or covering does NOT STOP this man made virus like the flu or measles or polio. Your immune system needs to be ok top condition to go in and naturally fight any foreign bacteria in the body naturally. No one is promoting eating healthy or pulling away from mucus forming foods and medicines. This mayor’s timing is off . At first she was the only 1 with COVID then 3 other family members, then she said she test after each public event she goes to, then she said she wears the mask at all time . So if you wear a mask and you still “ caught corona virus” what does mandatory wearing of a mask or cloth really prevent? You can’t prevent it or stop it you can only slow it down. This is about fear, control, and politics . Death will conquer us all eventually so to think that you will stop yourself from catching a virus similar to the common cold or to think that your fear of death will stop it is absolutely mentally insane. The cdc recommends because they know that the masks( which they recently changed to cloth on their site because complaints of people fainting were being reported) does not STOP anything . Mayor Bottoms is now creating a situation where the state and city level are not on the same page which will cause conflict amongst the people who are sheep and folllow and those who are using common sense. The mask stops oxygen from flowing freely into the lungs and nasal area. Lack of proper oxygen into the body will weaken the immune system and create congestion in the lungs due to breathing in more carbon than oxygen. This is disappointing to hear and see that our political officials are not using common sense. The mask does not stop anything . Read and comprehend. I hope that Kemp stays strong and not get bullied into trying to force people to wear a mask or cloth in public . That’s infringing on your human right to choose .
You, Taylor, are an absolute IDIOT. Stop getting your facts from Fox News and Facebook.
it’s your right to choose not to come into atlanta, please stay tf away
Bro you need to get your head checked.
This is actually the best thing I’ve ever heard on this website. Thank you so much for showing concern about this plandemic by explaining that most of us need to be naturally exposed to this virus to properly fight it off! I hate wearing masks because they literally asphyxiate me after 5 minutes of wearing it
If Bottoms defies Kemp with her illegal order, I will defy Bottoms and not wear one
You’re not alone