Next Step For San Diego Bars & Restaurants: Get Rid Of The Food Requirement

Will Dining & Drinking Inside Open The Door For A More Return To Normalcy?

By Kevin Wilkerson, PubClub.com Nightlife Blogger

San Diego has taken a step forward in its fight against coronavirus, with California Gov. Gavin Newsom allowing restaurants and bars that serve food to once again serve customers inside.

There’s a catch tho – isn’t there always in this COVID-19 era? – in that just 25% of the indoor space can be utilized. And while this is definitely a step forward for the businesses and customers it is also a good time to get rid of the requirement that people must order food in order to get an alcoholic drink.

Patrons have proven themselves to be responsible and there’s no need to treat them like they are in high school anymore.

Restaurant and bar/restaurant owners and managers have – from what I have observed and experienced – been diligent in making sure their customers follow the rules of wearing masks when standing and going to the restroom and social distancing by placing tables six feet apart from each other.

In this era when so many people are unemployed and struggling, forcing them to add an extra money to their tab when they do go out serves no purpose.

For one, it keeps potential customers at home, or forces them to linger at a particular establishment because if they have eaten at one place, they are too full to eat somewhere else. Or, they may not go out at all, preferring to save money by eating at home. Eating out gets expensive, and very quickly if you do it often.

The theory that “people make bad decisions when they drink alcohol” just doesn’t hold water. If the bar or restaurant is keeping an eye on their patrons, they can make sure they follow the rules. If a customer refuses to follow the protocol, the the establishment could ask them to leave, much like a bartender cutting off someone who has had too much to drink.

There have been enough rules and restrictions restaurants, bars and customers have had to follow since the pandemic begin, and it’s time to get rid of this one.

Next, PubClub.com will look at extending the closing hour.