Erie County Legislator Joe Lorigo has introduced a resolution advocating for New York State to lift restrictions on the struggling bar and restaurant industry in Erie County.

A number of bars and Erie County have challenged the Governor’s Orders in court, leading to a judge’s decision to issue a temporary injunction allowing them to operate under “Yellow Zone” restrictions. Legislator Lorigo’s resolution supports the recent legal challenge and urges Governor Cuomo to significantly reduce or eliminate the restrictions he has placed on these struggling small businesses. According to the Governor’s own data, restaurants account for just 1.43% of the spread of COVID-19, with 73.84% of cases coming from household spread.

Legislator Lorigo said, "Data simply doesn't support keeping these restrictions in place any longer. Bars and restaurants have been doing everything they can to stay afloat since March, and unfortunately many have been forced to close their doors permanently. Enough is enough.  COVID-19 spread is not prevalent in these establishments and government should be focused on helping business owners re-open.”

A copy of the resolution can be viewed here.