UPDATE: 16:30 – January 21, 2021
MISSOULA – Missoula County is about to see some changes to its COVID-19 restrictions as the City-County Health Board approved changes to existing guidelines on Thursday.
The changes now allow restaurants, bars, breweries, distilleries and casinos to remain open from 10pm. Other changes include raising current capacity limits and allowing eight people to sit at the table.
The reviews had been under investigation since early November after a group of about 70 bar and restaurant owners approached health officials to find a way to allow the bars to remain open later in the night.
This group, called Revive Missoula, says they are excited to see their voices heard.
Kyle Riggs with the Pangea restaurant group says that since they opened during the pandemic, they have never been able to stay open as late as they would like.
“It’s great that time is back for everyone, which doesn’t necessarily translate into guests. People are so conditioned right now to close at 10 o’clock and have to be home and stuff like that.” says Riggs said.
“The world has changed considerably for the staff, the guests and everyone. It’s going to take some time for people to get used to it, “he added.
Riggs says it will give it a few weeks before trying to stay open until two in the morning, but it is ready to start closing around midnight.
Changes to Missoula County COVID-19 restrictions will take effect Friday.
(first report: 1:30 p.m. – January 21, 2021)
The Missoula City-County Health Board has voted to approve the change to some of the existing COVID-19 restrictions.
Approved changes included eliminating the closing time of restaurants, bars, breweries, distilleries and casinos, changing current capacity limits, and allowing eight people to sit at a table.
Changes to the rules will take effect Friday.
Reviews were being studied since early November after a group of about 70 bar and restaurant owners approached health officials to find a way to allow the bars to remain open later in the night.
This is a developing story. Please check for updates again.