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Kentucky bars re-open in latest phase of "Healthy at Work" plan

Posted at 8:15 AM, Jun 30, 2020
and last updated 2020-06-30 08:15:32-04

LEXINGTON, Ky. (LEX 18) — Monday marked the first day Kentucky bars could re-open while following the guidelines laid out in Kentucky's "Healthy at Work" plan.

Some bars chose to expand outdoor seating and remove bar stools, like Crossings Lexington on South Limestone Street, where patio seating was added down the street.

"It's nerve racking to know that you're going to be interacting with a lot of people and you just want to do your best and keep them safe and healthy," Co-owner Rebecca Richter said of her customers.

It's been difficult to be closed for months, she said, but she understands the need to protect people from coronavirus.

"We've got a lot of hand sanitizer and wipes and just spaced everything out," she said.

At West Sixth Brewing, the outdoor patio and open air beer garden opened to the public Monday.

"We really wanted to pump the breaks and think about not only is this the right thing to do for our community but also is this the right thing to do for our staff," said Kelly Hieronymus, Creative and Marketing Director for West Sixth Brewing.

The precautions were a welcome site for customers like Corey Griffo.

"I think they're handling it really well," he said. "...All of the employees are wearing a mask and I've seen them kind of sanitize tables pretty much as soon as people get up.

Hieronymus said as the brewery continues to ease into re-opening, West Sixth will continue to offer curbside pickup service.