SWFL bars prepare to reopen again during the pandemic

Florida bars will be allowed to reopen at 50% capacity Monday, per an updated state order. The state’s new order prohibits bars from allowing dancing or patrons getting up to socialize with people at other tables. Still, bar owners we spoke to say being able to reopen at all is what they care about most during this time.

Southwest Florida bar owners are getting ready to reopen their doors Friday, but due to COVID-19, it will continue to look a little different.

Susan Filkins is preparing to her reopen her bar, Hawgz and Dawgz in Charlotte County Monday.

“I’m getting rid of the cobwebs; I’m putting in beer orders; I’m cleaning things that have been neglected,” Filkins said.

Filkins doesn’t have much time to get her bar ready for what’s been missing for months, customers

“I’m separating the tables outside,” Filkins said. “I’ve offered hand sanitizer; I’ve offered masks if people would like to wear one.”

Filkins said this is perfect timing for her.

“Season is coming,” Filkins said. “I have a lot of seasonal people.”

Across the interstate at Bar 17, owner Russ Bellerose is also preparing to reopen at the start of next week.

“We’ve moved the chairs from away from each other at the bar,” Bellerose said. “Our staff will make sure that people are socially distanced.”

Bellerose is grooming his bar’s seating limited to eight and a half guests.

“We are put in the same category as a nightclub, who may have a seating capacity of 300,” Bellerose said.

But both Filkins and Bellerose told us opening at 50% capacity is much better than zero. They’re also preparing for a different kind of activity than what might be the norm at their places of businesses to begin the work week.

“Mondays are typically kind of quiet, but I anticipate not such a quiet Monday,” Filkins said.