Beginning last week, the Ontario Government set new restrictions into place that prevented bars and restaurants across the province from selling alcohol past 11pm. This same order stated that these same businesses had to be closed by midnight. This has no doubt been an adjustment.
Local bars in London of course had to make changes over the past few weeks to accommodate these new rules, while trying remaining profitable.
“We’ve actually moved our half price appetizer hour to 8 o’ clock, because it was 9, in the hopes of getting people in earlier and out the doors by 11.” said Howard Panow, owner of the Crabby Joe’s in downtown on Dundas Street.
Many other bars and restaurants are moving around promotions in hopes of bringing crowds in earlier, and it seems to be working.
“We’re definitely seeing it already, like on Saturday when we usually wouldn’t get busy until 11 o’ clock, we were seeing people coming out around 8 or 9 to get a couple hours in of sort of hanging out with people.” stated Billy Thompson, owner of Scot’s Corner in downtown London.
While it has been a difficult adjustment the past month, Thompson was not surprised by the new regulations based on how he sees individuals acting under the influence of alcohol.
“The more people have drinks, the more they sort of forget the rules, forget to wear their mask, forget to sanitize. They do a little more table hopping, hugging kissing, stuff like that.” said Thompson.
Bar owner’s understand these new restrictions, but have clearly had to make changes this past week.
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