Gov. Wolf's on-site alcohol sales order extended an hour to 11 p.m.

Alcohol sales at bars and restaurants won’t have to end until 11 p.m. starting Monday, according to orders for on-site alcohol consumption from Gov. Wolf and state Health Secretary Dr. Rachel Levine.

Wolf had earlier said that alcohol sales would be required to end at 10 p.m. Alcoholic beverages must be removed from customers by midnight.

The revised rule coincides with the governor’s recent announcement that bars and restaurants may increase indoor occupancy to 50% next week.

The governor said in a news release that he is trying to balance public health and economic recovery.

“As we continue to take critical steps to continue to mitigate the spread of covid-19, we also recognize that this pandemic has taken a significant toll on the food services industry,” said Wolf. “These orders give restaurants the ability to increase indoor occupancy safety while giving customers confidence when deciding to patronize a restaurant.”

Area restaurant owners were not impressed.

“It really doesn’t help. One hour doesn’t do anything,” said Joe Kolek, owner of The Anchor Inn in Harrison. “Even at 50% capacity with social distancing, you’re really not big enough to take in enough people. And why did (Gov. Wolf) have to wait two weeks to go to 50%?

“It’s getting frustrating. Would these politicians work for 25% of their salary for the last six, seven months? I’d like them to do the math and see how they could survive. See if you could make a car payment.”

Dave Regan, owner of the Harp and Fiddle in Pittsburgh’s Strip District, said the extra hour helps a little.

“We’ve been so limited and it’s been difficult to make ends meet as it is so, yes, every little bit helps,” Regan said. “Personally I think it would be even more helpful if he would rescind the ‘must be eating’ [to be served alcohol] order. We’re in the middle of a pandemic and everyone has to do what they have to do but it seems like we’re being singled out as the scapegoats. (Irresponsible actions) might be true of some people, but it’s not everyone. So, everyone is suffering for the sins of a few.”

Anita Schaming, co-owner of CC’s Café in Sharpsburg, was critical of Wolf’s handling of shutdown orders.

“Serving alcohol until 11 p.m. doesn’t help you if you can’t have seats at the bar. What he’s doing is totally wrong in my opinion,” said Schaming. “To me it’s all political. I’m hoping he comes to his senses. If you don’t want to go out to eat because you’re compromised, that’s your choice. But someone like me who doesn’t feel like this whole thing is legitimate and real, I should be able to go out and eat if I want ”

Wolf’s office said there is no change to the requirements for the temporary sale of cocktails-to-go and take-out alcohol sales from bars, restaurants or hotels with a liquor license.