Local Health Department Finally Allows Bars to Stay Open Until Midnight

ABC Local 24’s Brad Broders tells ‘Wake Up Memphis’ with Robyn Walensky the Shelby County Health Department’s announcement of loosening some coronavirus-related restrictions is rooted in feeling more “comfortable” with several factors.

“They have more employees than they did earlier this summer,” Broders tells ‘Wake Up Memphis,’ “so they’re able to contract-trace quicker and more efficiently with more people.”

In addition, Broders says the health department is more “comfortable” with the amount of available coronavirus testing.

Shelby County restaurant and bar owners had been hoping to expand their hours until midnight, and the health department finally granted that wish Tuesday. In addition, people can now sit in groups of eight instead of groups of four at restaurants.

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Also, instead of 12 feet between each fan for social distancing, sporting venues in Shelby County can now seat fans 6-feet apart. Close to 12,000 fans will now be allowed inside the Liberty Bowl, which is a jump in comparison to the 4,500 previously allowed inside.

“It’s going to help U of M’s bottom line,” Broders tells Walensky.

Jeff Crane with the University of Memphis Athletics Department tells ‘Wake Up Memphis’ revenue is off approximately $9-$10 million dollars due to the coronavirus pandemic.