Bars must follow safety measures or could face shut down

A letter went out to bars and restaurants all across Lincoln on Tuesday reminding establishments they must abide by safety measures put in place for COVID or else they run the risk of being shut down.

LINCOLN, NE. (KLKN) – A letter went out to bars and restaurants all across Lincoln on Tuesday, reminding establishments they must abide by safety measures put in place for COVID or else they run the risk of being shut down.

The letter came directly from the Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department. The paper had a list of requirements bars must follow such as people being six feet apart, no parties larger then eight individuals, and customers must stay in their seats unless using the bathroom or playing pool, etc.

The Health Department will be conducting inspections of bars and restaurants. Violations could mean a misdemeanor of up to a $500 dollar fine and/or six months in jail. Additionally, the Lincoln Municipal Code allows the Health Director to order the closure of any business for the purpose of controlling the spread of the disease.

“If any venue is found to be in repeated violation of any directed health measures, an order for closure will be issued” Patricia Lopez, Health Director, wrote in the letter.

Harry’s Wonder Bar on ‘O’ Street said they aren’t too worried about the letter. They told Channel 8 Eyewitness News reporter Alexa Skonieski that they are following the rules and that the letter is a good reminder to businesses as COVID cases rise in our area again.

According to health officials, Lancaster County is seeing a very high number of cases. More then they have seen in months.