MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The Tavern League of Wisconsin is calling on Gov. Tony Evers to allow bars and restaurants to reopen on May 1, more than three weeks ahead of the end of the current stay-at-home order that has forced the closure of most nonessential businesses.
The lobbying group argued in a statement late Sunday that bars, restaurants and supper clubs could reopen by implementing a variety of safety measures to protect against the spread of COVID-19.
Those steps include requiring all employees to wear masks and gloves; not allowing anyone to be closer than 6-feet from one another; spacing all tables at least 6-feet apart; not allowing more than six people to sit at any one table; and reducing the number of people allowed inside by 50%.
The group also says it would eliminate paper menus, all table condiments and salad bars in order to open on May 1. Evers did not immediately respond to a request for comment Monday.
The governor is facing increasing pressure from businesses and Republican lawmakers to reduce the time of the stay-at-home-order which he extended last week from April 24 to May 26.
To date, 220 people have died in Wisconsin from the coronavirus and more than 4,300 have tested positive.
