Delco Bars, Restaurants Being Watched For Coronavirus Compliance

DELAWARE COUNTY, PA — Bars, restaurants, and other businesses in Delaware County are being monitored by authorities for violation of coronavirus-related health guidelines.

County officials Thursday said due to spiking cases of the virus, authorities will be inspecting establishments with liquor licenses. Additionally, officials said a hotline and website have been set up to allow people to report non-compliant businesses.

During a news conference Monday, Delaware County Council members reminded bar and restaurant owners that compliance of the state’s public health order is mandatory.

Businesses that fail to comply may face a citation, fine and/or a suspension of their license. Fines start at $1,000, according to officials.

Hot spots of new cases have been traced to situations where people were not wearing masks or practicing social distancing. More specifically, nearby counties and states have traced dozens of new positive cases to bars, which are among the most likely places to contract and spread the virus.

Numerous complaints have been filed reporting that bars in Delaware County are over capacity with people in close proximity and not wearing masks while they’re standing at the bar drinking.

Officials Thursday said two Delaware County establishments have been cited so far

Bar owners and staff are required to follow the guidance and order that remain in effect during the Green Phase which is necessary to keep customers, employees, and the community safe.

Under the "green" phase of Gov. Tom Wolf's plan to reopen the state, standing in bar areas is not permitted and all patrons must be seated. Four customers maximum who have a common relationship can sit together at the bar while adhering to the six-foot physical distance guidelines.

All customers must wear masks while entering, exiting, or traveling throughout the restaurant or bar. Masks are not required when seated.

Employees are required to wear a mask while working at a restaurant or bar.

The Pennsylvania State Police Bureau of Liquor Control Enforcement is inspecting and investigating businesses with a liquor license in Delaware County.

Patrons, residents and other business owners are asked to report businesses that are not following the order. Reports can be made to the Pennsylvania State Police Bureau of Liquor Control Enforcement by calling 1-800-932-0602 or online here. All information submitted is confidential and complaints may be submitted anonymously.

While the "green" loosened the restrictions and allowed businesses to operate responsibly, it does not mean that the coronavirus is no longer a threat.

There are still cases being reported daily, we are seeing spikes in cases, and we continue to have deaths across the county. As of Thursday, 21 new positive cases were reported in the county, bringing the total to 7,496 cases and 705 deaths.

Recently, there has been an increase in cases among residents in their late teens and early 20’s.

Over the weekend, the Pennsylvania Department of Health sent an alert to healthcare providers to update them on the change in demographics of those testing positive for the coronavirus.

The Pennsylvania Department of Health reports that they have seen a significant increase among 19 to 24-year olds each month from April to July.

In the Delaware County area, state official report a 5 percent increase in cases in April to nearly 15 percent so far in July. They also report that they are now seeing more cases in younger age groups than in groups older than 50.