Some Danville bar owners want the city to give them some relief during the COVID-19 emergency. One of them, Michael Gregory, owner of the Big-4 Tavern, says many bars may never re-open because of the significant hardships of the pandemic. He is asking the city to allow bars to re-open so they can sell their inventory. And Gregory noted some cities have allowed bars to deliver alcohol in addition to opening their drive-up windows.
Mayor Rickey Williams pointed out package liquor stores are still open.
Aldermen Mike Puhr said a lot of bars ‘’stocked-up for St. Patrick’s Day that didn’t happen.’’ So he says a lot of bars are left with a lot of stock that will be out of date if something is not done soon. Puhr also noted the businesses have no video gaming revenue coming in, and yet they must still pay taxes and insurance.
Alderman Steve Foster says since the businesses are not open, perhaps the city can give them a credit when it comes time to renew their liquor licenses. Foster says the city needs to do everything it can to help the businesses re-open. ‘’We really don’t know how long this will go on,’’ he added referring to the COVID-19 emergency.
