BUFFALO, N.Y. (WBEN) - Governor Andrew Cuomo defended his controversial mandate which required customers at any bar or restaurant to order food if they want to purchase alcohol. He said that he was re-enforcing the original rule of outdoor dining.
The governor announced his latest mandate on Thursday and gave bars and restaurants in New York City a "Three Strikes and You're Closed" rule. The three strikes rule does not apply to restaurants and bars in Western New York.
Local bar owners were upset over the latest mandate because there was little clarity on it and some places never prioritized food sales at their bar. Some places hastily created a menu with food options for as low at 50 cents.
