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On-Site Alcohol Sales Banned At Bars And Restaurants In Allegheny County Amid Coronavirus Spike

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- It's a move that has shocked, surprised and even disappointed some. But it's also a decision that has received praise from Governor Tom Wolf.

On Sunday, Allegheny County officials decided to restrict people from drinking in bars, and they specifically called out two neighborhoods: South Side and Oakland.

They're calling those "areas of concern."

"Shockingly I knew it was coming but I didn't expect it this quick," said Matthew Voelkur, Manager of Nadine's.

Matthew Voelkur and his family owned business, Nadine's, in South Side reopened to the public just a few weeks ago.

"Only being open for 18 days, it's kinda starting to get back in the swing of things and it's good to see people," said Voelkur.

But with a recent surge in positive COVID-19 cases, Allegheny County officials announced on Sunday that in order to slow the spread, they needed to make a move.

They decided to restrict people from consuming alcohol inside bars. Those that serve food can continue to do so and offer the to-go cocktails, but for Nadine's it's not worth it to remain open.

"We've been busy for breakfasts, but lunch and dinners are down, there's not a lot of people working in office buildings down here and everything else that is going on with it they've been rather slow."

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Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald says since COVID-19 cases were first confirmed in the state, Allegheny County has led the state in the number of new cases.

Allegheny County Coronavirus
(Photo Credit: KDKA)

Instead, doors will have to shut, again. During this time off, Voelkur is looking to spend time with family and is hoping to reopen in a few weeks.

"We get a lot of frontline workers. The nurses, the cops, and a lot of people that work that 3rd shift that are looking for a beer or whatever at 7 o'clock in the morning looking forward a good meal."

The ban is already in effect, but it won't be enforced until Tuesday at 5 p.m.

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