Friday morning, The Michigan Licensed Beverage Association (MLBA) released its 'Ready to Reopen' Resource Guide for Michigan bars and restaurants.
To help and assist bars and restaurants reopen amidst a pandemic, the 20-page guide includes sections on cleaning and sanitation, social distancing, monitoring employee health, and food and beverage safety.
“We were supportive of Governor Whitmer’s initial orders to temporarily close bars and restaurants for the greater good – the health and safety of Michiganders,” MLBA Executive Director Scott Ellis said. “However, the extensions have shut us down for too long. It’s time to start opening back up or many businesses will remain shuttered forever.”
Estimates show that the hospitality industry, the second largest economic sector in the state in terms of employment, is experiencing a loss of between $500 million and $1 billion per month due to the governor’s shutdown.
“We are one of the most regulated industries in the state. We know how to follow rules and how to sanitize properly – no other industry is more prepared to reopen than we are,” Ellis said. “We are prepared to practice safe social distancing measures but we believe we should not be restricted by occupancy limits.”
The guide was distributed to thousands of on-premises liquor license holders throughout the state and is available to the public here .
Additional Coronavirus information and resources:
Click here for a page with resources including a COVID-19 overview from the CDC, details on cases in Michigan, a timeline of Governor Gretchen Whitmer's orders since the outbreak, coronavirus' impact on Southeast Michigan, and links to more information from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, the CDC and the WHO.
View a global coronavirus tracker with data from Johns Hopkins University.
Find out how you can help businesses and restaurants struggling during the pandemic.
Also, get information about Rebound Mid Michigan, with stories, information and more about coming back from COVID-19
Join the Rebound Mid Michigan Facebook Group.
See complete coverage on our Coronavirus Continuing Coverage page.
