Posted on 12/10/20
| News Source: WBAL
Baltimore restaurants were blindsided with Wednesday's announcement by Mayor Brandon M. Scott that both indoor and outdoor dining would be suspended in the city effective Friday evening.
Scott's order leaves most other establishments, including stores, gyms and Horseshoe Casino Baltimore, open with reduced capacity.
"I know for a fact that my restaurant is safer than the casino because we have staff that is following protocol, way above and beyond measures," said Sarah Simington, owner of Blue Moon Cafe, which has locations in Fells Point and Federal Hill. "And to shut us down but allow people to touch dirty screens just makes zero sense to me."
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Simington said the order pulls the rug out from under restaurateurs who have paid to set up tables in outdoor parklets.
"Give some notice, give some warning or, you know, have a relief act ready," Simington said. "If you're going to make this announcement then tell us how you're going to save us."
Last month, Visit Baltimore launched a tourism advertising campaign using $5 million in coronavirus relief money directed to the group by then-Mayor Bernard C. "Jack" Young. Simington said that money could have been put to better use bailing out restaurants.
Scott said the Baltimore Development Corp. will be providing an additional $6 million in grants for troubled restaurants.
Marshall Weston, president and CEO of the Restaurant Association of Maryland, said the move doesn't bode well for restaurant operators. In a survey the group released this week, 45% of restaurant operators statewide said it is unlikely their restaurant will be in business six months from now.
Read more at WBAL