NC North Carolina News

North Carolina Senate Leader Phil Berger (R-Rockingham) wants Gov. Roy Cooper to allow counties to reopen restaurants with safety measures such as outdoor seating and limited capacity. 

In his May 14 post on his Medium page, the senate leader wrote that allowing restaurants to reopen with these two requirements "... could help thousands of North Carolinians who are now going broke to get back on their feet."

Under Cooper's executive orders, small businesses and restaurants aren't allowed to reopen yet, Berge said, adding that this makes it difficult for owners and employees to provide for themselves and families during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

“Other states, including the majority of those in the Southeast, have reviewed the same science, facts and data as Gov. Cooper has and reached a different conclusion on reopening restaurants," Berger said. "Gov. Cooper has not articulated his administration’s overarching goal or strategy. Why is he making different decisions based on the same information?"

Sen. Rick Gunn (R-Alamance) said in Berger's Medium post that restaurants should be allowed to reopen in the state. 

“It’s time to follow the lead of the majority of states in our region by reopening restaurants," Gunn said. "Counties should also consider opening some streets to pedestrian-only traffic to allow for expanded outdoor dining options. Gov. Cooper has prohibited restaurant owners and employees from working while at the same time failing to provide them with the unemployment benefits they’re due. This can’t go on."