INDIANAPOLIS — Indianapolis bars are open again, for the first time in three months.
Indianapolis was on a reopening schedule a week behind the rest of the state for the first two phases of emerging from coronavirus lockdown. When Governor Holcomb allowed bars and nightclubs to reopen last Friday, Indy could have done so at the same time, but Mayor Joe Hogsett opted to stay a week behind.
Rick Cockrum with the Indiana Licensed Beverage Association says he expects everyone to reopen except a few small bars which were struggling to survive even before the pandemic. But while the doors may be open, Cockrum says the first week back in business outside Indianapolis has been “hit or miss.” He says customers have returned in some locations, while just trickling back in others.
Bars are still limited to half capacity for at least two more weeks. And Cockrum says while drawing customers with promotions like karaoke night isn’t specifically off limits, it’ll be difficult to do within the restrictions still in place. He says bar owners have been working with the Alcoholic Beverage Commission on plans for enforcing social distancing and cleaning protocols.