Restaurants Get Creative To Bring In The New Year

CHARLOTTE, NC – A much different end of the year celebration for restaurants and bars across Charlotte. 

“It’s been pretty challenging, but we do everything we can to make sure we follow all the rules and abide by all the rules,” said  Tony Reynolds.

Reynolds is the General Manager of the Charlotte Beer Garden. He says this year, people had to reserve specific tables. There weren’t any long lines or shoulder packed bars inside.  

“That way we know exactly how many people are going to to be in the restaurant. Where they were going to go, who were going to have,” said Reynolds.

It’s a creative way to keep the doors open while keeping people safe and abiding by the state restrictions and regulations. 

“Gatherings of people not wearing masks public or private, simply are not safe. That’s how prevalent the virus is right now,” said Governor Roy Cooper.

Cooper stressed the importance of avoiding crowded new years eve celebrations. 

Earlier this month, video showed people packed inside Klutch Kitchen and Pour House in Charlotte. Many people were not wearing masks. 

“We must not lose sight of our primary goal. Preventing the spread of COVID-19 so we can save lives and revitalize our economy,” said Cooper. 

Since then, Cooper signed orders restricting the sale of Alcohol past 9pm. A 10pm curfew has been implemented as well. 

So with people eager to end 2020..

“We’re looking forward to 2021. Getting this COVID mess out of here and everybody start making profits again and having a good time,” said Reynolds.

The new year toasts and celebration happened a bit early.   

“We’re doing it at 8:30,” said Reynolds with a laugh. 

The alcohol sale restriction and curfew in North Carolina are in effect until January 8th. It’s unclear if those will be extended further.