With the number of Floridians testing positive for COVID-19 rising, the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) announced on Friday that it has suspended the sale of alcoholic beverages for on-premises consumption at all bars throughout the state. The suspension of alcohol sales is effective immediately.
DBPR Secretary Halsey Beshears weighed in on the order.
“Based on recent increases in COVID-19 cases and non-compliance with previous orders, DBPR has taken action to suspend on-premises alcohol sales at bars. DBPR believes this is a necessary step to take to protect public health as we continue working in partnership with industry and health officials to combat COVID-19,” Beshears said.
The emergency order suspends the sale of alcoholic beverages for consumption on the premises for all vendors licensed for such sale who derive more than 50 percent of gross revenue from the sale of alcoholic beverages.
Notwithstanding this suspension of sales for on-premises consumption, these vendors may continue to sell alcoholic beverages in sealed containers for consumption off the premises. Licensed restaurants also may continue to operate for on-premises consumption of food and beverages at tables pursuant to the restrictions a previous executive order, so long as these vendors derive 50 percent or less of gross revenue from the sale of alcoholic beverages for on-premises consumption.
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