Warren Bar Owners Frustrated By Extended Closure

WARREN, RI — The owners of a Warren bar expressed their frustration that their business has been closed since the state's coronavirus "pause." Jack's Bar has been closed since late November, with no end in sight.

Last week, Dr. Nicole Alexander-Scott, the director of the Rhode Island Department of Health, said the state's current restrictions will remain in place until further notice. That includes the requirement that bars and bar areas remain shuttered.

"We are so bummed out about this," the owners of Jack's Bar wrote on Facebook. "We will be ok for now but we can't keep shutting down for long lengths of time."

The post went on to urge all Rhode Islanders to follow the rules, practice social distancing and wear face masks.

"Please. We want to go back to work and open again," the post continued.

The owners previously voiced their frustrations at the end of the pause, saying that despite no reported cases of COVID-19 at the business and three perfect inspection scores from the Department of Business Regulation, "it's not good enough."

"We hope people will pause and reflect that small businesses pay the price when you don't follow the rules," read a post from Nov. 29. "So if your favorite watering hole or restaurant closes for good....well then, don't be mad. We need everyone to please follow the rules, regardless how you feel about the issue, we need to make a living too. Small businesses support local communities every single day, please support us! Do your part! Help us!"