'I don't sleep': Frustrated bar owners angry at 'unfair' reopening process forcing them to remain closed
RALEIGH (WTVD) -- Stand-alone bars have been closed for more than 80 days. No revenue is coming in and employees aren't being hired back.
Lucky B's owner Mike Lombardo has set up patio furniture outside his place and created social distancing spaces where folks can sit outside. He even installed sneeze guards at his main bar, yet if he opens his doors, he'll be violating state COVID-19 regulations
SEE ALSO: Why bars with outdoor seating are also not allowed to reopen
"I don't sleep. I don't think I've slept in months," he said.
Lombardo is exhausted and still feels blindsided. Bars were initially expecting to be lumped in with restaurants, which would've allowed them to reopen with restrictions in Phase 2. But that didn't happen.
"Boom, (the rug was) swept right out," he said.
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His liquor is sitting on shelves and beer bottles have gone untouched. Meanwhile, many other establishments are serving spirits.
"(I) can sit in Applebee's and drink all night if I wanted, but I can't come here and do it," said Lombardo.
There are plenty of places to grab a drink these days:
- Bartenders at a hotel bar are mixing up a cocktails.
- Drinks are flowing at restaurants like Carolina Ale House, which has massive bars at many of its locations.
- Private clubs, like Dogwood Country Club in Downtown Raleigh, is offering beer on tap.
- You can stop by breweries, such as Compass Rose in North Raleigh, to swing by the taproom to sample a summer ale.
Compass Rose Operations Director Justin McConkey says business has been good since they were allowed to reopen.
"We're lucky, but we also understand it's uneven, unfair," said McConkey.
Lawmakers on Jones Street are considering legislation to help Main Street. The Senate is planning to vote on a bill that includes a bar reopening plan.
Governor Roy Cooper is giving no timetable for when bars will be allowed to reopen. He has said the metrics are just not there yet to allow him to bring everything back online.
Lombardo says the longer this goes on , the more unsure he is about the industry's future.
"I don't know how people are going to survive. I don't know. It's ridiculous," he said.
Some places are finding ways to bring in a sliver of revenue during the shutdown. The Haymaker is selling bourbon cocktail kits. Buying one of those is a way to support the struggling establishments.
