Corbin restaurants, bars take to social media to complain about ABC social distancing warnings

Corbin Alcoholic Beverage Control Administrator Clara Patterson said she reached out to all of the restaurants and bars in the city after state ABC officials notified her that multiple area establishments had been reported for violating the mandate prohibiting serving customers at the bar.

Owners of Austin City Saloon and Shep’s Place have recently taken to social media to complain about social distancing warnings that the establishments have received.

“They just called me and said several of them have done it,” Patterson said declining to disclose what establishments had reportedly violated the mandate.

Gov. Andy Beshear included the rule when announcing the new guidelines that went into force on Aug. 11.

This includes increasing capacity at bars and restaurants back to 50 percent indoors, up from 25 percent.

However, food and drink service must end by 10 p.m. and establishments must close by 11 p.m.

Customers are required to remain seated unless going to the bathroom or exiting/entering the business.

Finally, congregating at the bar is prohibited and that includes serving drinks for food.

While Patterson did not disclose the offenders, two of them, Austin City Saloon and Shep’s Place, admitted to it via Facebook posts.

On Friday, Austin City Saloon Owner Josh Brock went on Facebook Live where he said his was one of the four establishment that were informed that they had been reported to the state.

“Four restaurant in town got told on because people were sitting at the bar eating,” Brock said.

“They are now threatening us with some heavy fines and even closing us down.”

Shep’s owner, Brandon Shepherd, shared a post from the Kentucky Freedom Coalition Facebook page featuring photos of Vice-President Mike Pence during his campaign stop for former Gov. Matt Bevin in Corbin at the restaurant.

“Apparently some of Governor Andy Beshear’s political and governmental thugs have decided to target a wonderful small business in Corbin, KY for its efforts to financially survive and simply feed people who willingly want to eat the great food that they provide,” the post stated noting that Shep’s was threatened with a fine and closure.

“We weren’t following healthy at work guidelines completel, with having people spaced out sitting in the bar area,” Shepherd said.

Patterson said she reminded all of the local bar and restaurant owners of the current mandates, emphasizing that she is trying to keep them open and trying to keep them from getting fined.

“I’m here for them,” Patterson said.

“I told them, ‘If you have an issue, call the governor!’” she said.