Orange County Orders Bars Closed Effective Thursday At 12:01 A.M.

ORANGE COUNTY, CA — If you want to raise a glass to freedom this July 4 weekend, you'll have to do it at home, the Orange County Board of Supervisors says.

Orange County has just ordered the closure of all bars, effective at midnight, Wednesday, citing the health and safety of all Orange County residents are of primary importance during the coronavirus pandemic.

“While we would prefer not to close bars at this time, many of our neighboring counties have closed their bars, and it’s important to take precautions to ensure the safety of the general public,” said Chairwoman Michelle Steel, Second District.

Acting County Health Officer and OC Health Care Agency Director Clayton Chau, M.D., Ph.D. has ordered all bars in Orange County closed to help slow the spread of COVID-19.

Andrew Do, of the First District, called for all to keep fighting the fight against coronavirus.

“The health and safety of Orange County’s residents is paramount,” said Vice Chairman Do. “We must continue to fight the spread of COVID-19. I encourage all residents and business owners to be extra cautious this holiday weekend.”

The order helps align Orange County with other counties in Southern California due to the increases in COVID-19 cases across the region.

Bars reopened in Orange County May 23, and elsewhere in Southern California on June 12, after approval from the State allowed more business sectors to reopen under an accelerated Stage Two.

Supervisor Donald Wagner says they OC Board of Supervisors has been watching surrounding counties shut their bars down for the holiday weekend. It was only natural for Orange County to follow suit.

“As surrounding counties have closed their bars, the County of Orange has made the decision to temporarily close theirs as well," Wagner said. "I wish everyone a safe and healthy holiday weekend."

The County of Orange continues to monitor the spread of COVID-19 cases and has recently updated the HCA’s Novel Coronavirus website with further information for residents and researchers.

Supervisor Doug Chaffee of the Fourth District called for vigilance and social distancing over the holiday.

“If we are to successfully fight this COVID-19 pandemic, we must be vigilant in maintaining social distancing, washing our hands and wearing our face coverings," he said.

The Order does not prohibit restaurants, pubs and breweries that offer dine-in services to operate but the establishment must only serve alcohol in the same transaction as a meal. Should a bar offer meals, they are required to comply with the same industry guidance as restaurants.

Supervisor Lisa Bartlett of the Fifth District weighed in, saying:

“As we experience a rise in positive cases and hospitalizations, it is important that we take swift and prudent action so that we do not overload our healthcare system or jeopardize the progress we have made in reopening our economy"

According to Orange County Health Care Agency reports, the closure will continue "until further notice" for all of Orange County:

Closure of Bars, Pubs, Breweries, and Brewpubs that do not Offer Dine-In Meals. All bars, pubs, breweries, and brewpubs establishments located in Orange County that do not offer sit-down, dine-in meals shall close until further notice by County Health Officer.

For bars, pubs, breweries, and brewpubs that offer sit-down, dine-in meals, alcohol can only be sold in the same transaction as a meal.

Restaurants that serve alcohol must also "follow the State dine-in restaurant guidance.

Takeout and delivery services should be encouraged whenever possible, the county says.

This order does not authorize the reopening of concert, performance, or entertainment venues, they added

This report will be updated.