ST. LOUIS (KMOX) - A downtown St. Louis bar that was ordered to close for 14 days for breaking COVID-19 mandates on face masks and social distancing has announced it will "voluntarily" close until further notice. Start Bar says the indefinite closure is "due to the current restrictions placed specifically on the bar and nightclub industry in St. Louis City."
A social media post from the arcade game bar a few blocks away from Busch Stadium states, "We are not sure when we will be able to reopen and we are concerned for the future of downtown St. Louis as a whole."
Start Bar, Wheelhouse – the bar located next door and is under the same ownership – and two other St. Louis city establishments were told on July 18 that they need to shut down for 14 days as punishment for disregarding face mask and social distancing mandates. Start Bar reopened on Aug. 11 but has now decided to close its door again.
Here's the full statement:
A post shared by Start Bar (@startbarstl) on Aug 25, 2020 at 8:00am PDT
Owner of Start Bar Jarden Ater also posted a message on Facebook saying, "Telling our staff yesterday that we must close down was awful. We have many great employees who are trying to earn a living and customers who would gladly come to our venues. The restrictions and regulations placed on our industry have made it impossible for us to provide the experience they’ve grown to enjoy week after week for many years. So much love and appreciation for all those who’ve contributed as employees and customers. We can’t thank you all enough for your continued support."