Businesses react to end of curfew

HURON — Within the past week, Jamie Brokaw notices more people enjoying his restaurant's mouthwatering burgers, jam-packed sandwiches and thirst-quenching beers. "Business has picked up as of late, especially at night," said Brokaw, the co-owner of Main Street Tavern in Huron. On Feb. 11, the state's curfew — curtailing the hours of operation for businesses deemed "nonessential," like restaurants, bars, gyms, retail centers and others — expired. Back in November, just before Thanksgiving, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine enacted a curfew — initially for 10 p.m. and later enforced between 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. daily — to slow the spread of COVID-19. DeWine, who based his decision on recent trends for cases, hospitalizations and death counts, opted against extending the curfew. He could, however, reinstitute the curfew at any time. "This will help everybody," said Brokaw, referencing the potential outlook for his business and others around. "When it was at 10 p.m., our customers were packing up early, by like 8 p.m. Now they are staying a little bit later." Just because DeWine relaxed the state's curfew doesn't mean Main Street Tavern's staff is loosening up its stance on cleanliness. "We are still taking extra precautions," said Brokaw, adding how his staff constantly wipes down, sanitizes and purifies areas where people eat, sit or gather. "We just want people, both our customers and our staff, to feel comfortable." Those working at Sandusky Crowbar, meanwhile, shared a similar sentiment. Staying open later "will help us a lot," said Crowbar manager Jessie Rodocker, who poured a drink after disinfecting areas immediately after some patrons left. "We have been seeing more people coming in." Rodocker noted many people, especially fellow service industry workers, have shown a willingness to support her colleagues during this tough time. Amid the curfew, "If they were getting out of work at 10 p.m., there was no sense of them coming down here," Rodecker said. "But, lately, they have been coming down to have one. Hopefully, over time, more people aren't so scared and come out and see us." Brokaw also credited his loyal customer base, noting, because of their patronage, Main Street Tavern could remain open and viable during a pandemic. "Overall, business has been tough, but we have had a huge outpouring of support from the community," Brokaw said. "Our customers are getting us through this."