Bars In Miami-Dade & Broward Counties Call For Businesses To Be Reopened

Bar owners and employees from Miami-Dade and Broward Counties are calling for both county mayors to allow their businesses to reopen, according to NBC Miami on Saturday (September 19).

Out-of-work bartenders and business owners gathered outside a Fort Lauderdale bar on Saturday afternoon to a discuss a potential alliance.

County leaders said that enforcing social distancing at bars is difficult, hence why they have remained closed.

"However, protesters at Saturday's gathering said they saw no difference between restaurants and bars. Restaurants statewide are allowed to operate at 50% capacity," NBC Miami reported.

Fort Lauderdale Mayor Dean Trantalis supported bars reopening in a statement released during the protest.

"We have opened our restaurants, and we have done so safely. So, if we can make the world safe for people wanting to enjoy a meal out, let’s work together to make the world safe for people who want to enjoy a drink as well. Let’s see how we can make these difficult times easier on everyone," according to the statement.

Miami-Dade and Broward Counties entered Phase 2 of reopening last week, which saw multiple businesses and schools be allowed to open their doors except bars and nightclubs.

Indoor entertainment venues, such as movie theaters and bowling alleys, were the latest businesses to get the go from county officials.

Photo: Getty Images