The City of New Orleans shut down seven bars over the weekend for COVID violations as the city prepares to close all bars ahead of Mardi Gras weekend. NOLA Director of the Office of Business and External Services Peter Bowen says these business owner’s selfishness is getting people killed and damaging the city’s economy.
“The time for warnings has passed, especially when we head into carnival season which we know was our first super spreader event in 2020, now is the time for all of us to hold the line given that there is real light at the end of this tunnel.”
Bowen noted that at one venue patrons were entering through a back door while the front door was locked up in an attempt to hide the bar’s operation from the authorities.
“There were serious safety and fire violations that would’ve caused them to be shut down in a non-Covid environment, if there was a fire that could’ve been a mass casualty.”
Bowen says these seven bars will not be allowed to open until they can prove they will stay in compliance, and for some they may never be allowed to reopen due to state fire violations.
“These businesses must submit plans outlining how they will operate in full compliance with the city’s guidelines, these venues cannot re-open until the city is confident that they will operate safely.”
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