COVD-19 introduced itself to the world last winter and everyone has experienced complications. Many were forced to work from home while others were forced out of work entirely.

Some of the first businesses to have to shut down were restaurants and bars.

On Mar. 19, ArizonaGov. Doug Ducey signed Executive Order 2020-09 ordering bars, movie theaters and gyms to close.

Restaurants were given an option to do takeout and delivery, but for most local bars that simply was not an option.  As a result, on March 20, many service industry workers were left to their own devices to figure out how to survive until reopening was an option.

Arizona’s stay-at-home order expired on May 15 and some bars decided to reopen to get business while they could. The reopening was short-lived for series-six licensed bars as they were forced to close again June 29. A series six liquor license allows the license owner to sell wine, beer, and spirits without the requirement to sell a certain amount of food.

Many local bar owners and bartenders were affected not only financially, but also emotionally.

“The fear of the unknown, thinking this business I’ve built up over 12 years could just go poof and not be there anymore, was the worst,” said Jennifer Holliday, owner of the Paradise Lounge in north.

Holliday received grants and loans to help with rent and utilities, but the emotional strain of worrying if that would be enough to stay afloat until reopening weighed heavily on her shoulders.  She was also concerned if her employees would be able to make it through without work.

“I had plans for each one to help should they need a place to stay or a bill to pay,” Holliday said. “I tried my best to keep them in good spirits and be there for them.”

Dodey’s, another watering hole in north Phoenix, was also forced to shut down during this time. Bartender Shelby Dunker also struggled during the shutdown.

“My entire life was taken away within hours,” Dunker said. “No work and no gym. Work was how I survived.”

“I felt like I was pushed up against a wall with nowhere to turn,” she said.

After hunkering down with little to no income, series six bars were finally allowed to reopen August 27. However, things did not just go back to normal.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention set forth guidelines that bars were to maintain during operation.

• Employees must wear a mask at all times
• Customers must wear a mask while entering the bar and if they are to get up for any reason
• No standing
• No darts
• No pool
• Sanitation practices

Bars are also expected to maintain 50 percent capacity.

However, regular business is still greatly impacted.

“They (the guidelines) have affected my business by doubling my payroll expense, doubling the stress on my employees to have to explain all this to each person, doubling the workload on each employee due to all that is required of us to do,” Holliday said. “Being open at 50 percent is better than not being open at all.”

Businesses still risk getting shut down if they do not follow these rules, which adds an additional layer of stress.

“You feel like you are walking on eggshells all the time,” Holliday said. “Will someone from the governor’s office come in? The Arizona Department of Health Services?”

Employees also have to face blowback from customers reacting to the new rules.

“At the beginning, the customers would fight it and tried to push the limit,” Dunker said. “It was almost impossible to do my job. Now, people are more compliant for the simple fact they don’t want to lose the bars again.”

Nonetheless, these bars are abiding by the guidelines and remaining positive despite slower business after months of closure. The bars are hopeful they can pursue business as usual sooner than later.