Bars may have to remove stools and tables - Holness hints at measures that could accompany reopening of pubs

It is possible that the next time you walk into a bar you may find that there is only standing room, and you are among a handful of persons allowed inside.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness said that in addition to having a specific gathering rule, the Government may require bars to remove stools and tables as a condition of reopening.

The Government imposed a ban on the opening of pubs, bars and nightclubs on March 18 as part of measures to contain the spread of the COVID-19 disease, which is caused by the novel coronavirus. However, faced with massive outcry from bar owners and former employees alike, Holness said his administration is now considering the reopening of bars.

The Government estimates that there are some 10,000 bars on the island, most of which employ at least two persons. The vast majority of persons who work in these establishments are now unemployed.

Great sympathy

"I have great sympathy for the operators," Holness said in Parliament on Tuesday. He signalled that when bars are reopened, the hours "would be limited" and the gathering rule of no more than 10 persons in a public space would have to be considered. Some members of parliament on Tuesday said that the Government should consider restricting the gathering in them to no more than five persons.

"Those who are serving in the establishment must wear masks." Holness said. "We may have to examine things such as not allowing bar stools and tables. We may have to ensure that if there are slot machines or gaming machines, that they are appropriately spaced. We may have to ensure that group games are not allowed," Holness said.

The prime minister said that the conditions under which bars would be allowed to reopen have to be carefully studied, adding that there are some activities, such as drinking, that pose a higher risk than others.

"Having persons in close quarters in an establishment like a bar, though it may not be air-conditioned and the air may not be recirculating, still poses a great risk because they are in an enclosed area," He reasoned.

"When inebriated, people lose inhibitions, and there is an increased likelihood of the spread," he said.