SOME sports bar owners who have been excluded by the Government in its controlled reopening of bars say they are equipped to follow the established protocols.

Calvin Malcolm, owner of Mobay Proper in St James, told the Jamaica Observer that he understood the Spirit Licence Act speaks to “village” bars but with reference made to “community” in relation to the measures in light of the COVID-19 crisis, he assumed that his sports bar would have been included in the definition of community bars.

“I am very disappointed, especially because none of the sports bar [operators] who I am in contact with in Montego Bay knew that they were excluded,” said Malcolm.

The stipulations for reopening meant bar operators would have to adhere to strict guidelines, including physical distancing rules, with no more than five people — including the bartender — inside the establishment at any one time, and no stools, benches, chairs, or tables for people within the bar.

Andre Dyer, of Rehab Sports Bar and Grill in Montego Bay, had not planned to reopen the doors to the establishment based on the restrictions outlined by Government, but had no idea why sports bars were excluded.