Gallette’s Owner Posts Passionate Defense of Bar Employees
Photos of University of Alabama Students waiting to get into bars and restaurants on The Strip in Tuscaloosa went viral this weekend, prompting outrage on social media.
University of Alabama Athletic Director Greg Byrne shared a photo of dozens of co-eds outside of Gallette's, expressing his exasperation that the crowds were not wearing face masks or practicing social distancing in an effort to prevent the spread of the novel Coronavirus.
Jeff Sirkin is also frustrated at the situation, and the owner of the legendary Gallette's took to Facebook Sunday to share his thoughts.
"We did nothing wrong today. We opened at 12 noon with a line down the block. But some of you saw “a picture” and assumed we chose to endorse anarchy and lawlessness," Sirkin said. "It is not my responsibility to police people 50 yards from the entrance to my front door on city property. Logistically it is impossible for me enforce you wearing a mask down the street while you wait to come inside."
"We have gone above and beyond what is required by city and state mandates. We have been complimented numerous times by the Tuscaloosa Police Department how we have been running our establishment since the reopening, as have most of my colleagues in the service industry during these crazy times," he added.
Sirkin said his employees are doing everything within their power to prevent the spread of the novel Coronavirus by following state and local health orders. Read his statement below.