Erie County Legislator John Mills is urging the Governor to lift the 11 p.m. curfew on bars and restaurants through Erie County.

Last week, the Governor announced that casinos, gyms, pool halls and bowling alleys will no longer have to adhere to the curfew established under COVID-19 restrictions as of April 5th.  Bars and restaurants throughout the County have dealt with forced closures and restrictions over the past year, despite little evidence that the risk of COVID-19 transmission is higher after a certain time of day or night.  Members of the New York State Senate and Assembly Minority Conferences recently announced their effort to have the curfew lifted, citing a lack of scientific basis and the need to get bars and restaurant owners back on their feet.

Legislator Mills said, “Business owners have seen it all the past twelve months. Limited capacity, full closures, curfews, and a major loss in income are just a few examples. The current 11 p.m. curfew isn’t helping anyone. It’s arbitrary, and it’s time to let these establishments fully re-open their doors. I am joining members of our State Legislature in calling on the Governor to lift the curfew to bring some relief to bars and restaurants that have been devastated by the COVID-19 pandemic.”