NFIB raises concerns of an uneven playing field and capacity hurdles for small businesses moving into phase one

The National Federation of Independent Business indicates optimism as Louisiana begins phase one of the economic reopening. But NFIB state director Dawn Starns says there are still challenges, such as limiting businesses to 25-percent capacity.

“The percentages of capacity are not going to sustain these business owners at all, especially in the face of lost revenue that they have experienced these past few months,” said Starns.

Starns says the phase one proclamation creates winners and lowers. She says bowling alleys are still closed, while movie theatres can reopen.

“Local businesses are bowling alleys, not big movie studios, so we need to be doing a better job of looking to get all of small business Louisiana-based economy back up and running,” said Starns.

Spas, massage and tattoo parlors are not allowed to open under phase one guidelines. Starns says bars that do not serve food also remain shuttered.

“Small independent folks who are bar owners are frustrated to not be able to open but people with food licenses are and casinos are.  And then, the casinos being opened at 50 percent.  There is just different challenges with it,” said Starns.