BREAKING: Mayor John Cooper Issues Restrictions On Restaurants, Bars

Nashville Mayor John Cooper announced new restrictions on restaurants and bars on Monday (November 23). The rules will go into effect next Monday, November 30.

Capacity within Nashville restaurants and bars will be limited to 50% with 6 feet of social distance with no more than 100 patrons per floor, whichever is fewer. These businesses will also be required to give a warning for last call for food and drink at 10 p.m. and cannot allow new customers after that time.

Cooper made the announcement on Monday amid concerns over hospital capacity, News Channel 5 reports.

"Beginning Monday, Nov. 30, restaurants and bars will be limited to a maximum of 50% capacity, with social distancing," Mayor Cooper said in a tweet Monday afternoon. "There will be a 10pm last call and service for food/beverage, and no entry after 10pm."

The new rules come the same day as Cooper's previous restrictions for the city took effect. To get a jump on a potential spike in cases from Thanksgiving celebrations, Cooper limited public and private gatherings to eight people.

"With the virus surging, now is simply not the time for large social events that could lead to any contact between clusters," he said at the time.

Tennessee has seen a sharp rise in coronavirus cases and hospitalizations. Just last week, the state shattered its record for highest single-day increase in new cases with nearly 8,000 reported on November 16.

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