MERRIAM, Kan. — To help slow the spread of COVID-19, the Johnson County Board of Commissioners approved new restrictions that take effect next week.
The new order requires all bars, nightclubs, restaurants or other businesses licensed to sell alcohol for on-premises consumption to close by midnight.
Those businesses also must stay closed for a minimum of four hours.
Carryout, drive-thru and delivery service for food and beverages may continue after midnight, but customers aren't allowed inside those establishments.
KC's Neighborhood Bar and Grill in Merriam normally closes at 2 a.m., but they'll have to close at midnight starting Monday.
"Very mixed feelings. I think the win is obviously getting to operate and having a business run as close to what we’ve been used to but definitely could have been more favorable for us for sure," owner Ryan Papon said Saturday.
The cut in hours, Papon said, is crucial to their bottom line.
"The midnight to 2, it’s a critical timeframe for us," he said. "I would say anywhere from 15-25 percent of our sales on any given day can be generated in that run."
The loss in hours means a loss in revenue for his employees too.
"Now all of a sudden we’re losing another 14 hours a week," added Papon. "Man that’s an entire person’s job, that’s their shifts for the week gone instantly.
Papon is trying creative ways to help his employees, including opening at 6 a.m.
At Maloney’s Sports Bar in Overland Park, they’re happy it’s not a complete shutdown, but question the reduction in hours.
"It’s kind of a double-edged sword here, we’re catching a break by getting to go until midnight, but at the same time I don’t know what that does for your goal of keeping crowds from congregating," Scott Wenta, general manager of Maloney’s Sports Bar, said.
According to Johnson County health officials, the reason behind the restrictions is the county's COVID-19 positivity rate is in the red zone at 15.9 percent
"Those environments are perfect for virus spread and the larger it is, the larger the risk," Dr. Sanmi Areola, Johnson County Department of Health and Environment director, said.
A risk Papon said is not worth hurting his struggling business.
"As far as the margins, I think we are as thin as we’ve ever been so to lose out on any of the top dollar, it’s a huge kick."
To view the complete Johnson County Health Order, click here.
