Thousands of bars, restaurants, and service workers in Connecticut will be severely impacted by the COVID-19 epidemic. Many of these small businesses will not have the financial ability to reopen once the mandated closing has been lifted.

New York Governor Cuomo has already enacted a temporary measure allowing bars to sell alcohol via takeout and delivery during the closure. Despite the fact that the Tri-State Governors have claimed a unified "Joint Regional Action,” - CT has not followed suit.

READ: https://www.forbes.com/sites/ginapace/2020/03/16/new-york-governor-andrew-cuomo-says-restaurants-and-bars-can-sell-alcohol-to-go-after-bar-shutdown/#21758a2c77ed

While I fully support the mandated closing of bars and restaurants - I ask that Connecticut enact a temporary law allowing bars and restaurants to sell beer and liquor during this time.

Bar owners with fully stocked inventory will now have that inventory sit for many weeks or months with no revenue. They should have the right to sell this inventory to pay their rent, mortgage, utilities, and ongoing bills.

People are stocking up on liquor, beer and wine, anticipating an 8+ week quarantine without their favorite bars/restaurants. Liquor stores have seen a large spike in sales. Why should liquor stores have a monopoly on alcohol sales when under normal circumstances, they are only a piece of the market?

READ: https://www.nj.com/coronavirus/2020/03/booming-sales-at-liquor-stores-are-proof-the-corona-virus-isnt-bad-for-all-business.html

Governor Ned Lamont & the Connecticut Liquor Commission - we thank you for your leadership at this time.

***We ask that you enact a temporary rule allowing bars and restaurants to sell their unopened beer, wine, and liquor via curbside pick-up or delivery.***

Stay healthy & stay connected,

Troupe429
Bar & Performance Space
3 Wall Street
Norwalk, CT

[Thank you to everyone supporting small businesses at this time!]