Duffy's Tavern said on social media that it is closing temporarily because of COVID-19.
The popular O Street bar that's known for its live music said in a tweet posted Sunday that it "is going to close for a spell until things simmer down. Maybe if we all take this seriously we can get to a point where our businesses can be open and people (again) have jobs. It didn’t have to be like this."
In a tweet posted last week, Duffy's blamed its closure on Gov. Pete Ricketts and his handling of the pandemic.
"Our business is again forced to close because Nebraska can’t get COVID under control. This is how you lead? We (again) are essentially unemployed as of Monday, and you haven’t lifted a finger for bars and music venues."
Statewide directed health measures recently put into effect by the governor restrict indoor gatherings to no more than 25% of capacity at venues such as Duffy's. They also require patrons to be seated at all times.
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Lancaster County instituted additional restrictions earlier this month that require bars and restaurants to end alcohol sales at 10 p.m. and close by 11 o'clock.
Scott Hatfield, the owner of Duffy's Tavern, spoke at the mayor's news conference the day the new restrictions were announced, saying the pandemic has obviously shaken and stressed the livelihoods of bar owners who have been asked to enforce unpopular rules with their patrons to remain open.
"Without question, this is the right thing to do," he said. "This is a time to change, and this is a time to take things seriously."
Ricketts has said that if the COVID-19 population in the state's hospitals reaches 25% of total bed capacity, something that may happen in the next few days, he will institute additional restrictions, including requiring bars to close to in-person business and offer takeout and delivery only.
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