Alcohol sales in bars banned by state as Fourth fireworks fizzle Friday
BY TERRY SCHMIDA
KONK LIFE STAFF WRITER
Stop!
If you’re standing in a Key West bar with a drink in your hand, you may be in violation of state law! (And local commitment to upholding it, as of press time.)
In a sign of just how fast-paced and frazzled legislating has become in the pandemic era, a special meeting called to modify Key West’s COVID-19 ordinance, and discuss several other agenda items, instead spelled the end of previously approved fireworks on the Fourth.
And, as it turned out, the Commissioners and Mayor Teri Johnston were left to formulate a coherent policy response, in real time, to the late-breaking announcement that the state is again banning sales of alcohol in bars (with gross sales of 50 percent-plus coming from booze,) effectively shuttering those (remaining) businesses once more. Establishments will still be able to sell to-go cups and restaurants are mostly exempt.
What ended up being a 2 1/2-hour virtual meeting was announced earlier in the week when it became clear that there were pressing, mostly virus-related, matters that couldn’t wait for the next scheduled meeting on July 21.
The annual Rotary Club of Key West-run Fourth of July was technically a “go” at the conclusion of the City Commission’s meeting earlier this month. But with municipalities everywhere halting planned festivities in droves, the pressure to follow suit became irresistible. Or perhaps cover was provided for the Mayor and Commissioners to do what they knew was the right thing all along. And Friday morning’s virtual provided the last chance for a tattered, but firm and united, final reckoning on the matter.
So there will be no fireworks. But the beaches will remain open as usual, and the City’s new policies on COVID-19 are going into effect, giving police and code officers the ability to warn those not social distancing or wearing a mask on city streets. And for them to issue civil, as well as the not-likely-to-be-used criminal citation option.
“You have to wear a mask,” City Attorney Shawn Smith said, of those walking on streets where they’re likely to encounter other people. But for strolling in more isolated areas, like walking a dog in the park, “you don’t have to wear a mask.”
Earlier in the meeting, Commissioner Mary Lou Hoover, of District V reported on the recommendations of her task force looking into ways to encourage tourists and locals alike to toe the line on hand-washing, masks and social distancing. They included everything from increased signage in high-traffic areas and at attractions, to providing copies of the ordinance to those dealing directly with tourists, to fines, and even jail for those “who choose to ignore this,” Hoover said.
It was City Manger Greg Veliz who ultimately introduced the rethink.
“Obviously things are changing . . . by the hour,” said Veliz, as he informed his colleagues about the decision by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulations to again cease alcohol sales. “We spoke about [the Fourth] at the last meeting . . . the landscape has changed. I thought it would be wise of us to bring it forward. At some point we have to be fair to the [Rotary] . . . that we make it final.”
So, it’s final. And so is last call.
“Effective immediately,” Veliz said after the meeting. “I’m sure they’ll be someone pleading ignorance for 24 hours, but we’re coming down to help get the word out.”
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