Some Area Bars/Restaurants May Defy Governor

August 13, 2020 4:10 am

PITTSBURGH — (WPXI) – Some area bar and restaurant owners may take matters into their own hands, possibly opening and allowing more than 25-percent capacity in their establishments. The president of the Southwest Pa. Restaurant and Tavern Association, Rodney Ambrogi – who is also the owner of Al’s Cafe in Bethel Park, told our news partners at Channel 11 the association sent a letter to Governor Tom Wolf last week. The letter asked that the governor loosen some restrictions. As of Wednesday morning, the association hadn’t heard back from him. If they don’t hear back from him by Aug. 14, according to Ambrogi, members of the association may: Open their bars for direct service again. Allow more than 25-percent capacity and enforce the six foot rule to allow more customers inside, while still following other safety guidelines. He says they are pushed in a corner and are trying to do everything they can to protect their livelihoods and family businesses. Members of the association are hopeful they’ll hear from Governor Wolf by Friday, but said they are willing to take the risk.