ANNAPOLIS (Nov. 17, 2020) – Today, Governor Larry Hogan announced additional restrictions on bars and restaurants saying they are necessary due to recent state data on COVID-19. Beginning Friday, November 20 at 5 pm, all bars, restaurants, and facilities where food or alcohol is served will be required to close by 10 pm and may not open until 6 am. All retail businesses will also revert to 50 percent capacity restrictions. The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) in Maryland, which represents thousands of small businesses in the state, reacted to that news. The following comments are from NFIB’s Maryland State Director, Mike O’Halloran:
“This is a very sad day for Maryland small businesses. Today’s announcement by Governor Hogan will be a very tough pill to swallow for so many of the state’s job creators. After a summer when businesses had to claw their way back from spring shutdowns and restrictions, now they face renewed mandates which, for some, may put recovery out of reach.
“At a time when uncertainty is at its highest since 2016, Maryland’s small businesses remain committed to the safety of their employees, customers, and clients. We hope the measures taken by the Governor today won’t last long and Maryland’s small businesses can get back on their feet as soon as possible.”
