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Over 150 Fine Wine & Good Spirits stores in yellow phase counties to open Friday

PITTSBURGH — Over 150 Fine Wine & Good Spirits stores in counties that are in the yellow phase will begin limited in-store public access beginning Friday.

Gov. Tom Wolf announced that all southwest Pennsylvania counties, with the exception of Beaver County, will move into the yellow phase May 15.

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The stores shut down two months ago and have been gradually reopening since. Starting with online orders, moving to curbside pickup and now limited in-store access.

Employees and store owners will have to follow strict protocols to prevent the spread of COVID-19 including:

  • Stores will limit the number of customers in a store at any time, allowing no more than 25 people (employees and customers) in any location and further restricting numbers of customers in smaller stores.
  • The first hour each store is open each day will be reserved for customers at high risk for COVID-19, including those 65 years of age and older. Voluntary compliance from all customers is encouraged in the interest of protecting the health and safety of our most vulnerable community members.
  • Customers and employees will be required to wear masks and practice social distancing, guided by signage throughout the stores.
  • Signage will also direct customers to follow one-way patterns to avoid cross-traffic and encourage them to refrain from touching products unless they intend to buy them.
  • Store employees will perform enhanced and frequent cleaning and disinfecting, and store hours will be modified to ensure appropriate time for cleaning and restocking.
  • All sales are final, and no returns will be accepted until further notice.

People said they have mixed reaction and admitted concerns over the reopening process and are wondering is there a full benefit?

“If they think it’s gonna make them survive and as long as they do it safe, I think it’s a good thing,” said James Helterbran of Sheraden.

“I don’t think it’s essential to open much of anything at this point. I think they should keep everything closed. I think Gov. Wolf is very foolish for doing it,” said Alex Bright of Knoxville.

The stores will also continue curbside pickup and online orders.

Click here for a list of liquor stores that will be open for limited-in store access.

The Pennsylvania Senate also passed a bill that would allow you to buy cocktails to go. Under the temporary measure, restaurants and hotels who have lost over 25% of their monthly sales can serve these mixed drinks with restrictions.

The bill now heads to Gov. Tom Wolf’s desk.