City Of Tulsa Issues Response To Venues Hosting New Year's Eve Gatherings

The City of Tulsa is asking the community to stay COVID-19 cautious with their New Year’s Eve plans this year to help prevent the spread of the virus. The city is discouraging large gatherings, especially for people who do not already share a house, but asks that for those who do choose to gather, they make sure to stay safe.

“As we look forward to the new year, it’s important to stay vigilant on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day,” the City’s statement said.

The City of Tulsa is pushing for people to keep the city and state’s guidelines in mind as they choose how to celebrate the new year. In a statement the city asked people to remember that a mask mandate is still in effect, meaning a mask must be worn at any indoor public gathering, within city limits.

The statement in part said “All Tulsans are encouraged to continue to wear a mask, watch your distance and wash your hands. Residents and business owners should continue to follow City and State guidelines as they relate to gatherings. A mask mandate is still in effect for all Tulsans, ages 10 and over.”

The city also mentioned event capacity rules are still in place, which means parties and gatherings should not be more than 150 people, and if they are, the COVID-19 safety plan had to be turned in and approved by the city two weeks ago. News On 6 asked if the city would be strictly enforcing protocols against the bars and venues who are advertising breaking the 11 p.m. curfew to ring in the new year, and they replied saying:

“For restaurants and bars who will be operating on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, it’s asked that they continue to follow the state of Oklahoma’s guidelines as they relate to hours of operation.”

That statement does not provide clarity for any plans of curfew enforcement, but the statewide curfew for all establishments is still 11 p.m., even on holidays.