The order from Gov. Tom Wolf to Pennsylvania’s taverns and restaurants to limit service to takeout only initially shocked the industry. Fear of lost revenue and paychecks was very evident.
Pennsylvania’s taverns and restaurants were the tip of the spear in this fight against coronavirus. Early and decisive decisions had to be made by Wolf to flatten the curve, buy time for our health care professionals to prepare, and ultimately save as many lives as possible.
It was the right decision. The Pennsylvania Licensed Beverage and Tavern Association supported the governor’s order early.
Fortunately, our elected leaders in both Harrisburg and Washington, D.C., haven’t forgotten the sacrifice small businesses are making. Financial help is on the way. The importance of saving lives is being matched by the importance of saving livelihoods.
I believe that as Pennsylvanians navigate this crisis, all of us will be better because of it. We now know what it’s like to have our jobs and ways of life threatened. We now know the value of loved ones and friends as we practice social distancing and self-isolation. And we now know how important each of us are, whether you’re a takeout cook or a health care provider.
We will weather this storm. And we’ll be a better country and better people because of it.
Chuck Moran
Harrisburg