Bucco: Murphy Should Suspend 10 PM Closing Time for Bars & Restaurants for Super Bowl, Upcoming Holidays

Senator Anthony M. Bucco called on Governor Phil Murphy to suspend the 10 p.m. closing time for indoor bars and restaurants during the Super Bowl to prevent them from having to close before the end of the game, and suggested he do the same for important upcoming holidays, including Valentine’s Day.

“Super Bowl Sunday is one of the most important days of the year for bars and restaurants and all of their workers,” said Bucco (R-25). “Under current restrictions, indoor establishments could be put in the difficult position of having to kick out their customers before the Super Bowl is over to comply with the governor’s executive orders. Governor Murphy should do the right thing and give them a reprieve from the arbitrary 10 p.m. closing time for this important event.”

Bucco’s sentiments reflect the concerns raised by Senator Declan O’Scanlon (R-13) regarding the current restrictions on bars, restaurants, and other indoor dining establishments.

“Many of our bars and restaurants can’t afford to stay in business if they’re deprived of the opportunity to serve customers for another major event,” added Bucco. “They missed out on the 4th of July, Thanksgiving, and New Year’s Eve, usually some of the busiest days of the year. Whether or not they can stay open after 10 p.m. for the Super Bowl or Valentine’s Day could be the difference in their survival.”