Okla. Bars, Restaurants Prepare For Gov. Stitt’s New Restrictions

Governor Kevin Stitt announced new COVID-19 restrictions during a press conference Monday as cases continue to rise across the state.

The new order includes an 11 p.m. curfew for all bars and restaurants. Those restrictions will be put in place Thursday.

For restaurants and bars, this pandemic has been quite the experience.

"It's been a rollercoaster, and this is one of those little dips," said Bruce Rinehart, owner of Rococo's Bar and Grill.

Monday Stitt added onto that, announcing new restrictions that take effect Thursday. This includes separating seats in restaurants by six feet, or having dividers placed between them. All bars and restaurants must close their doors at 11 p.m.

Rinehart said now is the time the food industry needs to work with the governor, so harsher restrictions won't have to be taken in the future.

"There is no benefit of being hostile or confrontational," he said.

Over in Norman, O'Connell's Irish Pub and Grill feels the same way, as they're prepare for the big game this Saturday.

"Well Bedlam will be a challenge there is no doubt about that," said Jeff Stewart the manager at O'Connell's. "We are going back to spreading out the tables and are looking to investing into the dividers at each of the booths."

While bars and restaurants must close their doors by 11 p.m., drive-thrus and curbside pickup may remain open past that time.