Raleigh, N.C. – The North Carolina House of Representatives approved legislation allowing bowling alleys, skating rinks, as well as dining and beverage establishments at minor league baseball stadiums to safely operate in North Carolina.
After preparing to reopen under Governor Cooper’s ‘Phase 2’ executive order, bowling alley and skating rink owners were unexpectedly forced to remain closed. Interestingly, businesses allowed to reopen under ‘Phase 2’ offer similar services to that of bowling alleys and skating rinks.
Noticeably, 45 states have already opened bowling alleys. More than half the skating rinks in the country have reopened. Senate Bill 599 allows bowling alleys and skating rinks to safely operate under the prescribed 12 point plan.
The legislation would also allow minor league baseball stadiums with existing food and beverage establishments to temporarily provide outdoor food and drink for outdoor consumption with a seating capacity limited to 10 percent of the seating capacity of the stadium.
The food and beverage establishments would be required to comply with the health and safety requirements outlined in House Bill 594, a bill previously passed by the General Assembly that allowed dining and beverage establishments to safely operate.
Representative John Szoka (R-Cumberland) and Representative Jon Hardister (R-Guilford) released the following joint statement:
“The Governor is picking winners and losers with his arbitrary executive orders. This legislation is another step to getting North Carolinians back to work while prioritizing health and safety,” said Reps. Szoka and Hardister.
NC House Speaker Tim Moore (R-Cleveland) also released a statement:
“Our family-owned small businesses are struggling as a result of the Governor’s inconsistent executive orders. It is time to let the private sector lead with smart health and safety measures to begin our state’s economic recovery,” Speaker Moore said.
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