LYNCHBURG, Va. (WSET) — Restaurants and bars in Lynchburg are overjoyed the alcohol curfew is being lifted.
Main Street Sports Bar and Grill has had their liquor license for about a week now. Bar manager Gary Oakley says the eased restrictions give them new hope.
"The veil has lifted, the veil has lifted and we look forward to being able to stay open to the end of some sporting events," Oakley said.
RELATED: Experts warn against COVID-19 variants as states reopen
Gov. Ralph Northam announced that starting March 1, establishments can sell alcohol up to midnight, two hours later than they'd been allowed to in recent months.
"Starting on Monday, our hours will be open until midnight for alcohol, we will be open until 10 if you're looking at a bar menu, we're also going to start happy hour next week between two and six o'clock," Oakley said.
Just a few minutes up the road, the Cavalier is celebrating as well.
"We're excited about being able to accommodate everyone later and get back to some kind of normal," bartender and manager Jake Hill said.
RELATED: Phase 2 venue in Lynchburg gets new owner, set to reopen
Hill says even with the limited hours, their loyal customers have kept the business alive.
"People adjusted, you know, with the times they were coming in. Sometimes your people that were coming in later would just come in a little earlier," Hill said.
Now the Cavalier's locals can get back to their old habits, closing down the bar at midnight.
Both restaurants say they're finally seeing the light ahead.
TRENDING: GOP rallies solidly against Democrats' virus relief package
"The weather's turned, hours are going to turn, it's a happier time," Oakley said.
Northam says these new guidelines start on March 1 and will be in effect for at least a month.
