Even though Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has suspended indoor bar service in Metro Detroit due to coronavirus concerns, some bars and restaurants near the border of Grosse Pointe Park and Detroit have voluntarily closed due after the number of cases has gone up in the Pointes.
The owners of The Charlevoix, Ye Olde Tap Room, and My Dad’s Bar shut their doors for the next several days.
Nick Arrigo of The Charlevoix explained, “There had been some cases popping up in the Grosse Pointe area and we wanted to make sure we were being safe.”
That’s why The Charlevoix is closed this week, even though it could have been a big boost in business with the holiday weekend.
Coronavirus cases in Grosse Pointe jumped last week after some infections traced back to a bar in East Lansing.
Three patrons who tested positive had visited Excaliber which is nearby.
That bar has been cleared by the health department to stay open, but other bar owners were concerned that those infected could have gone bar hopping.
Russ Mack of Ye Olde Tap Room said, “Since a lot of bars share customers, we figured our customers too could get it. I don’t want any part of that.”
He says they offer a free mask for every patron. “People take it, hold it up to their mouth, order a beer, and throw it away. It’s ridiculous.”
Russ says it’s hard to keep people six feet away from each other.
“Social distancing is also a problem but we are a social environment and it just doesn’t work in a bar,” he explained.
It seems Governor Gretchen Whitmer agrees, she has ordered indoor bars to close.
Even though The Charlevoix can still serve customers indoor at tables, they decided not to.
When they reopen, they will only serve customers in their new outdoor area.
“We are going to be able to offer all of our products out there, we just think that it’s the right thing to do.”
Russ will have outdoor seating too when he decides to open back up.
He has this message for his customers: “Wear a damn mask.”
The establishments are expecting to open back up next week.
Ye Olde Tap Room may remain closed. Russ said he won’t open back up until no more new cases pop up in the area.”
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