Following Governor Cuomo’s announcement that bars and restaurants can only serve alcohol with the sale of food items, Erie County Legislature Minority Leader Joe Lorigo introduced a resolution opposing the new guidelines and moved it for approval during Thursday’s session of the Legislature.

Legislator Lorigo said, “This, along with all of the other last minute rules and guidelines, have been an absolute nightmare for the local bar and restaurant industry. Many of them have adopted the appropriate social distancing guidelines and are working hard to stay afloat while keeping customers safe. The past several months have been grueling enough for small businesses, and the most recent mandate requiring the purchase of food with alcoholic beverages is an overreach. Someone must stand up in defense of Erie County bars and restaurants. Otherwise, many establishments could be forced to close their doors.”

Many bars and restaurants have also expressed concern with a lack of clear communication and guidance from New York State.

“This most recent mandate was announced at the end of the day via conference call with no guidance available from the State Liquor Authority, which left bar and restaurant owners scrambling,” Legislator Lorigo added. “State representatives should be bringing bar and restaurant owners to the table and working with them to help them stay open and continue to serve customers. These arbitrary and spontaneous executive orders are not productive.”

A clause in the resolution, which called on the County Attorney to challenge the Governor in court, was voted down by the Democrats in the Legislature.

“I am frustrated my colleagues in the Legislature would not stand up in support of challenging the Governor in court,” Lorigo added. “Most of us seem to agree that this is an overreach on behalf of the Governor, and now it’s time to take action. I will continue my push to fight on behalf of bars, restaurants, and small business owners in Erie County.”