Patti Arnold has owned the Dead End Tavern in Fulton for twenty one years, through good economic times and bad. But when COVID-19 wrecked havoc on New York State in March, financial troubles loomed its head through the tavern door.
“It was difficult because everybody else still wanted to get paid,” Arnold said. “You know, like your light bill and stuff. You have to keep going.”
After three months, the tavern reopened in June under the social distancing guidelines put forward by Governor Andrew Cuomo. All was going well until the night of July 10, which was like any other night at the tavern, until someone complained.
“Somebody called and said that I wasn’t doing the distance or the occupancy and all that,” Arnold said. “It’s all new to everybody, you know, keeping your mask on and stuff, it gets hot. And (the customers) had them off when the guy came in. So I got citations for no mask.”
This complaint lead to the Dead End Tavern being cited earlier this week by the state for violating Governor Cuomo’s regulations on masks and social distancing. It is one of five Central New York establishments to be cited for violations after reopening in June, and one of 105 across New York State. Arnold says that the rules for bars such as hers are constantly changing, leaving small bar owners such as hers in the lurch.
“I know all the other little businesses they’re trying to do what we’re supposed to be doing.” It’s just hard because we don’t know all the rules. They change all the time.”
According to Arnold, the tavern faces a fine of up to $1500 for the violations. Arnold says that she will pleas no contest to the state’s charges.
