Buffalo, NY (WBEN) New York State lawmakers say they plan to introduce bills aimed at getting rid of a number of Governor Andrew Cuomo's executive orders, and they're starting by taking aim at orders directed at restaurants.
State Senator George Borrello says he's joining his colleagues in trying to repeal what he calls unscientific and irresponsible executive orders.
"Senator (Michael) Gianaris pointed out early on in the debate he felt having to purchase food with a drink purchase was not based on science and that should go away," says Borrello. Borrello also thinks the 11pm curfew needs to go away, saying it's not only not based on science but is harming restaurants. "Not only are they at 50 percent capacity, soon to be 75, they lose that extra table turn at the end of the evening which would help offset limited capacity," adds Borrello.
Borrello believes the decisions should not be made at the state level, rather local health departments.
"They are the boots on the ground, and they should decide for themselves which of these makes sense for their current situation, and right now that's not happening. We should do away with all of them and leave it to the local governments," explains Borello.
Restaurant owner Dave Sciutte says he'd like to see the elimination of the curfew as well as spacing of tables.
"The other one they should look at is outdoor capacity. Being outdoors in this environment really doesn't cause great harm to the public when it comes to COVID," says Sciutte.
Sciutte says he is in favor of keeping mask mandates for a while.
"I think for a while. Masks make people safe. I think they have helped in reducing the spread of COVID, so I think masks will be a part of life. I'd like to see a return to normal life with the masks," says Sciutte. "Having weddings, large events and having masks on away from the tables and things like that."
Borrello anticipates movement to happen within the next two weeks.
