A new Health Order in Lawrence will restrict business hours of establishments that serve alcohol. As COVID 19 cases in Douglas County have increased, leaders of Douglas County’s Education Unified Command emphasize the Community is in a critical period to control the spread of he coronavirus. It requires all restaurants, bars and entertainment venues with a liquor license to stop serving alcohol at 9:00 in the evening, and close completely by 10:00. Social Distancing Rule will apply and no customers are allowed to congregate at a bar, and all food and drink to be consumed while seated. Other restrictions include a limit of 45 people, with the occupancy limit of 100 people for entertainment venues, provided Social Distance Requirement and face mask requirements are met. Also, all dance floors are to be closed.
Douglas County’s Health Officer, Dr. Thomas Marcelino says, due to the spike in positive COVID tests since students at KU have returned, it is vital to decrease the transmission of the virus in Lawrence. He says any establishment intentionally violating the order is subject to a $2,500 fine and is subject to being closed. The order went into affect at midnight today.
