By Diana Hartley
For many people, the sudden disappearance of in-person entertainment options was one of the hardest things to adjust to in 2020. What used to be a regular part of many people’s weeks quickly became something that simply was not feasible.
Things are changing though. While bars and restaurants were allowed to reopen last summer, many businesses still felt the impact of COVID-19 keeping people from wanting to spend time in enclosed spaces with strangers.
Now, as vaccinations roll out to more and more Alabamians, bars are beginning to see more people feeling comfortable patronizing their favorite watering holes again.
“Everywhere seems to be bouncing back,” says local area musician Aaron Bradley.
Melissa Razook is a bartender at Yellowhammer Brewing in Huntsville. She says “We have absolutely seen an increase in business, but we remain cautious amongst each other.”
The combination of relaxing rules and warm weather has caused many more people to frequent Yellowhammer which has been welcome, if a little strange, for employees used to keeping their distance.
“It has definitely been an adjustment, but I feel like I work for a company that has tried to maintain a safe environment for us as employees so I haven’t felt much more at risk.” says Razook about the developments.
It seems that many are cautiously optimistic about business continuing to grow, but some are still wary of the possibility of spreading the disease.
“Since I work in bars I’ve tried to be very careful, and I’m going to continue to while around the public,” says Bradley, who plays several live shows a week. Still, he says, “It’s nice to see people at bars having a genuinely good time. I’m excited for business to be frequent and fun this year.”
For her part, Razook seems to think the community is ready to get out and socialize again.
“I hope to see continued improvement, I like to think we live in a fairly progressive community and have had conversations with many guests about their excitement over being vaccinated and working towards a safe ‘new normal’”