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The decision came after officials determined that many bars and restaurants were becoming coronavirus hot spots.
The petition has received about 20,000 signatures.
Longstreet said that move would not have been necessary if the state had enforced the initial “green phase” regulations.
“It was an overreaction to a small problem,” said Longstreet. “We believe that 95% of the restaurants are doing the right thing and the few bad actors should be cited, closed down, whatever has to happen. But the whole industry shouldn’t have to suffer because of this.”
A spokesman for the governor said the decision to reduce seating capacity was made to discourage people congregating around bars, noting that case counts have since stabilized and appear to be headed downward.
The other main sore spot for bar and restaurant owners is the order prohibiting people from simply going in to buy an adult beverage — customers also have to buy a meal, which the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board defines as something along the lines of breakfast, lunch or dinner.
Popcorn, pretzels and other snacks don't fall in that category.
Erin Wallace owns the popular Devils Den in South Philadelphia and said she’s seen too many customers either walk out or stick around and abuse the staff.
“It’s like, ‘OK, I know sir. I get that you don’t like the rule about the food but this is what the rule is.’ It’s getting mentally exhausting,” she said.
It’s financially exhausting, too.
Industry leaders say if the restrictions aren’t lifted by Labor Day, thousands of owners could go out of business.