NEW ORLEANS- Resolution (R-20-356) by District C Councilmember Kristin Gisleson Palmer notifies Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards that New Orleans is opting into on-site alcohol and food consumption at local bars. The resolution formally authorizes the reopening of bars under the New Orleans Health Department Phase 3 guidelines and Governor Edwards's September 11 proclamation. 
 

In the Louisiana Department of Health's most recent data, New Orleans bars are located in a parish with less than 5% of positive COVID-19 cases for two consecutive weeks. This also satisfies a requirement in the Governor's Phase 3 reopening guidelines. 

The resolution will not allow bars to reopen and operate with on-site consumption until Mayor LaToya Cantrell and the New Orleans Health Department establish proper rules and guidelines along with plans for enforcing and penalties for bad actors.  Additional restrictions are provided in the Governor's September 11 proclamation, including that bars will be closed for on-site consumption should the parish exceed 10% COVID-19 positivity rates for two consecutive weeks.

"Based on the latest data from the State's Department of Health and the Governor, our city has met the milestones to reopen with on-site alcohol sales safely, but this does not mean the pandemic is over. The Council expects all bars, restaurants, and establishments and their patrons to follow safety measures and guidelines to reduce the virus's spread. I have spoken with numerous bar owners across my district who have been planning for months to have appropriate measures in place to operate safely. They have suffered economically more than most and yet have made it clear that they understand their responsibility to the community's public health. Any establishment that doesn't respect the rules should not be allowed to operate. They should not be allowed to undo the work that so many others across this city have done." said Councilmember Palmer.

To view the full meeting agenda, click here.

WHEN:

Thursday, October 15, 2020, at 10 AM

WHERE:

The meeting may be accessed using the following methods:

• Watch live stream of the meeting on YouTube here or on the Council's website here

• Live Television Broadcast on Cox Cable Channel 6 in Orleans Parish

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Media Contact:

Tiffaney Bradley

Communications Director

Councilmember Kristin Gisleson Palmer, District "C"

Tiffaney.bradley@nola.gov

(504) 295-4970