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Florida Bans Drinking Alcohol In Bars After Big Jump In Coronavirus Cases

A record number of COVID-19 cases in Florida means no more drinking alcohol in bars for a while.
Adam Wilson/Unsplash
A record number of COVID-19 cases in Florida means no more drinking alcohol in bars for a while.

The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) has suspended alcohol consumption at all bars statewide – effective immediately.

The move comes as Florida recorded a big jump in coronavirus cases. Nearly 9,000 cases were reported by the Florida Department of HealthFriday morning. That far surpasses the previous record of about 5500 set last Wednesday.

DBPR Secretary Halsey Beshears made the announcement about the bars via Twitter.

The state recently suspended the alcohol license of Knights Pub in Orlando, after 13 employees and 28 customers of the bar near the University of Central Florida tested positive for COVID-19.

Gina Jordan is the host of Morning Edition for WFSU News. Gina is a Tallahassee native and graduate of Florida State University. She spent 15 years working in news/talk and country radio in Orlando before becoming a reporter and All Things Considered host for WFSU in 2008. Follow Gina: @hearyourthought on Twitter. Click below for Gina's full bio.