As concerns grow about the spread of coronavirus in the metro area Barchen Restaurant and Beer Garden in Benson has announced they will be closing their doors to customers for the next 7-14 days.
"We want to help with social distancing and help to flatten the curve and we felt staying open is irresponsible to patrons and the community," general manager Andrew Miller told 6 News.
Miller said it was an easy decision and hopes others step up to do their part in slowing the spread. "We feel that it's not just at bars that will be affected, it's all local small businesses and we want to be concerned with the community and the public health," Miller says.
On Sunday Mayor Jean Stothert said she didn't have plans to close bars and restaurants yet for St. Patrick's Day but she and Governer Pete Ricketts are focused on controlling crowd sizes.
"Right now it's 250...according to the Governor order and we may go ahead and take the steps to reduce that to 25-50," Stothert says.
Miller said even having that few people in his establishment is irresponsible. While they aren't serving inside the bar, Miller tells 6 News customers can still enjoy their food. "We'll support our staff with wages and offer pick up and delivery," Miller said.
Wages are another big question when it comes to businesses partly or completely closing. Stothert said the city is working on a plan to help city employees but there is no word yet on any relief non-city workers can expect.