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 Council approved changes to existing guidelines on Thursday.
The changes now allow restaurants, bars, breweries, distilleries and casinos to remain open after 22:00. Other changes include increasing the current capacity limits and allowing eight people to be seated at a table.
The reviews have been under consideration 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.
The group, called Revive Missoula, says they are excited to see their voices heard.
Kyle Riggs with Pangea Restaurant Group says that because they opened during the pandemic, they never managed to stay open as late as they would like.
“It’s great that he gives time back to everyone, which doesn’t necessarily translate into guests. People are so conditioned now to close at 10 o’clock and they have to be home and stuff like that,” Riggs said.
“The world has changed considerably for the staff, for the guests, for everyone. It will take some time for people to get used to it, “he added.
Riggs says he’ll give it a few weeks before he tries to stay open until 2 in the morning, but he’s ready to start closing around midnight.
The changes to the COVID-19 restrictions in Missoula County take effect on Friday.
(first report: 13:30 – January 21, 2021)
The City Council of Missoula voted to approve the amendment of some existing restrictions COVID-19.
The approved changes included removing closing time for restaurants, bars, breweries, distilleries and casinos, changing current capacity limits and allowing eight people to sit at a table.
The rule changes will take effect on Friday.
The reviews have been under consideration 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. Return to updates.