Bars, Restaurants Navigate New COVID-19 Restrictions, Hope For Continued Support

Tulsa bar and restaurant owners said they're already struggling, and the governor's new mandate for them to close at 11 p.m. will make things worse. 

Governor Kevin Stitt's order does provide an exception for curbside pickup. 

At The Goat in downtown Tulsa, Owner James Alame said they've managed to get through a very tough year.

"We opened two days before the initial shutdown. It's been a game of, what's going to happen next for us?" Alame said.

Starting Thursday, Governor Stitt is mandating all bars and restaurants close their buildings at 11 p.m. The order also requires them to space tables six feet apart or use dividers. 

The Goat is open until 2 a.m. on the weekends, which Alame said is a huge source of income for the bar.

"Because they'll have to be home at 11, everyone has to get to dinner and have their drinks early," Alame said.

Alame said they've already been spacing out tables, using online menus, and sanitizing often.

In the coming days and weeks, Alame said they'll add plexiglass dividers between booths, and a heated patio for even more space and fresh air.

"We're adding six outdoor heaters and insulating the outside," said Alame.

At the Mercury Lounge at 18th and Boston, General Manager Bobby Orcutt said he's frustrated by the changes since the bar also offers live music daily to support local artists.

"There hasn't been one day we've been open without music," Orcutt said.

Orcutt said he's been on the phone all day with employees and bands to see how to navigate the changes. He said this would all be better with a statewide mask mandate.

"If you want to help businesses, wear a mask and play by the rules, and understand we're all on the same team," Orcutt said.

The Valkyrie Bar in downtown Tulsa sent this statement:

“The well-being of our staff and guests has always been the top priority at Valkyrie. We have decided to take a step back and discuss as a team the next steps for us given this new mandate. Safety will continue to be paramount as we devise a new strategy to move forward for the livelihood of our hardworking staff and our business.”

The mandate said bars and restaurants can still serve pickup or drive through food after 11 p.m.