Coachella Valley bars, hotels, gyms, day camps, movie theaters are reopening
Gov. Gavin Newsom gave the green light for schools, day camps, bars, gyms and professional sports could all reopen with modifications on Friday, June 12.
Shamrock Irish Pub in Palm Springs already back to the swing of things.
“Oh my god, its so exciting to welcome everybody back and see people and get all the girls back to work," said Amanda Hannah.
The manager, Amanda Hannah explained customers will notice the reconfigured bar.
“We removed the barstools from the bar, we have table seating next to the bar to keep everybody social distant properly," said Hannah. "We have eliminated some of our patio stuff just to make sure everyone stays away from each other.”
Although the governor has given the go for bars to reopen, the owner at Toucan Tiki Lounge in Palm Springs tells News Channel 3, he’s waiting another week until he opens his doors.
“We just feel like we don’t need to rush back into it right away for the price of a cocktail and we are more interested about being safe for everyone involved," said Jeff Bosco, General Manager at Toucan Tiki Lounge.
Staff and owner of Oscar’s in downtown Palm Springs gears up for the reopening.
“We are excited to open regardless whatever the measures are," said Dan Gore, Owner of Oscar's.
Those measures, he’s taken caution.
“Wiping down all the chairs and tables between customers, spacing out all the tables, we have partian alot of the tables so that they are private areas for people," said Gore. "Of course wear masks and constantly wash our hands."
Gore also bringing back the popular tea dance with modifications.
“They’ll be able to socialize visually with any other tables through these plexiglass walls but they will only be able to cut a rug or dance if you will," said Gore.
We reached out to City of Palm Springs to clarify if nightclubs or bars could reopen their dance-floors.
“What we have told nightclubs that have reached out to us is that they can open as a bar but not with dancing or performances that they might normally have," said Mayor Geoff Kors.
According to Mayor Kors, police and code enforcement respond to complaints and also are doing proactive outreach to businesses. Citations can include fines and as of ordinance passed on Thursday's meeting, repeated violations and requests to follow the law can result in a business having its license revoked.
Here's the State of California Department of Public Health's rules for reopening.
Businesses that can reopen:
- Hotels, motels, and inns (for tourism and travel)
- Schools, day camps, and day cares
- Campgrounds and outdoor recreation
- Filming for the television and music industries
- Bars and wineries. New guidance available for restaurants.
- Zoos, museums, aquariums and galleries
- Professional sports (without audiences)
- Movie theaters and family entertainment centers
- Gyms and fitness centers
Nail salons, facial services such as eyelash extensions, facial waxings and threading, as well as youth sports, team sports, libraries and wedding ceremonies or receptions — per state regulations — are still not allowed to reopen.
