City of Boise clarifies alcohol can still be sold at restaurants for on-site drinking
BOISE, Idaho (CBS2) — After much confusion, the City of Boise sent out a clarification and apology regarding the new health order Mayor McLean signed Tuesday.
The health order issued a closure to all bars, taverns, nightclubs, private liquor clubs, taprooms, tasting rooms, bike bars, cabarets, and saloons starting Wednesday, which lasts for 30 days.
Some owners were confused, including CopenRoss Growlers. Thanks to a post, the city of Boise sent the owner a letter saying the restaurant could still sell alcohol, but there would be no on-site consumption.
Owner Lisa Copenspire-Ross told CBS2 that she was confused and frustrated with the order, saying every restaurant is interpreting it differently.
"Why would we be able to serve non-alcohol drinks, but not beer?" Copenspire-Ross questioned.
The city later sent out an apology, saying the order was solely intended for bars and night clubs, not restaurants.
"I apologize for the confusion," a city representative wrote Copenspire-Ross. "It makes sense that as long as you are following all other business protocols including 50% capacity, social distancing, etc. you could still sell alcohol for on-site consumption. The order absolutely does not affect or close the dining rooms of restaurants and that was not the intent."
CopenRoss Growlers sells burgers, sandwiches, bar appetizers and beer. It is still operating, serving food and beer.
"We never opened our bar top, because we couldn’t maintain social distancing and have been following stage 2 guidelines submitted to CDH all along," Copenspire-Ross said.
Copenspire-Ross said people can support her business by encouraging city officials to let businesses following Stage 2 guidelines serve alcohol, wear masks to their tables, stay home if they are sick, practice social distancing, wash their hands and take the pledge.
Idaho launched the pledge June 9 to encourage people and businesses to do their part in keeping the state safe and its economy open.
