Florida Suspends Alcohol Consumption in Bars
On Friday, Florida reported 8,942 new cases of COVID-19, shattering the daily record of just over 5,500 set a few days ago.
With summer vacation season in full swing, many Americans are flocking to the Sunshine State to soak up the sun and enjoy any number of attractions that dot the sun-soaked landscape in the nation's fourth most populous state.
They're also crowding into the many bars that flourish during the year-long tourism season.
Just last week, a group of 16 friends went to a bar in Jacksonville to celebrate a birthday. All 16 contracted the coronavirus.
But now, celebrations like that will not be happening for the time being, as the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation has suspended all alcohol consumption at bars.
The phrase "on premises" is interesting because I've actually seen the idea floated about allowing "alcohol to go" at restaurants that serve it.
That kind of legislation actually passed in Illinois and, understandably, it did not sit well with MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Drivers).
It remains to be seen if that's the next step in Florida, which, according to FirstCoastNews/Jacksonville, had never topped 8,000 new COVID-19 cases before Friday and has reported 5,000+ new cases for three days straight.