As the sun set Friday evening over a sweltering Palm Springs, a familiar yet slightly new scene emerged along one of the city's most popular entertainment destinations.
A number of patrons appeared to have accessorized their party attire with the latest in government-approved face coverings, prompting the most casual of observers to admit that in this age of COVID-19, even amid the blasting music and steaming misters of Arenas Road, few seem willing to sacrifice their health for the sake of a good time.
At Eagle 501 Bar, guests entered the business wearing face coverings and maintained social distance from others not in their parties. A staff member at the door informed guests about the face-covering requirement and pointed out a nearby hand-sanitizer station.
Standing in front of the bar, General Manager Randy Carmenaty reflected on the adjustments the business has made in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.
Some of the precautions taken by Eagle 501 since bars were allowed to reopen include: requiring patrons and staff to wear face coverings, unless they're at a table; requiring staff to wear gloves; enforcing social-distancing procedures and increased cleanings.
"You've got to do what you've got to do to keep your staff and patrons safe," Carmenaty said.
While bars remain open in Palm Springs and throughout California, other states have put their reopening plans on hold amid a rise in their coronavirus cases. Texas and Florida effectively shut down bars, with the former closing bars and the latter prohibiting the consumption of alcohol at the establishments.
California is also dealing with a surge in cases. Gov. Gavin Newsom recently mandated the use of face coverings in indoor public spaces with few exceptions.
In Palm Springs, the city's bars and restaurants are now required to have signs taped to the front doors informing patrons that physical distancing and face coverings are required. Throughout many of the outdoor bars on Arenas Road and Palm Canyon Drive, patrons and staff are now wearing masks unless at a table, eating or drinking.
While many bars remain open, some have been impacted. Hunters Palm Springs, located across the street from Eagle 501 Bar, said on Saturday it was temporarily closing after an employee tested positive for COVID-19.
Carmenaty said one challenge during the pandemic has been keeping staff informed of the policy changes and guidelines. Inside, patrons are required to wear face coverings while ordering the drinks and walking to use the restroom.
In addition to other safeguards, Eagle 501 offers free masks and sells some as well.
Looking ahead, Carmeanty said he doesn't envision turning a profit until after a coronavirus vaccine is released.
"It's a matter of breaking even, not making a profit," he said.
On Friday, the bar welcomed a handful of patrons, some of whom stayed outside. Palm Springs resident Chris Sustaire was among a few on the front patio with a face covering.
Sustaire said he didn't see the face covering as an inconvenience while at the bar.
"I have to protect myself and protect other people," he said.
After bars in the city were closed for several months, he said he has enjoyed being able to go out.
"Social media is nice," he said, "but person-to-person is so much better."
Next door, Chill Bar and Quadz posted signs reminding guest that face coverings and physical distancing were mandatory. On the sidewalk in front of the bars, small stickers spaced six feet apart thanked visitors for practicing social distancing.
Across the street, bar patrons adhered to the requirements on the outdoor patio.
Along Palm Canyon Drive, dozens out walking and sitting at restaurants and bars wore face coverings as well. Face coverings are required in restaurants, unless while sitting at the table. Visitors at the Tommy Bahama Marlin Bar & Store appeared to be following the protocols as well.
Nevertheless, there has been at least one instance of a bar closing the dine-in portion of its business in the wake of "hate" from critics who believed the business wasn't doing enough to protect its customers and staff from the spread of COVID-19.
The owner of Dringk Eatery + Bar in in Rancho Mirage announced the changes on Wednesday.
"Since opening, the hate on our guests, staff and family has come to a point where we have made the decision to close until further notice," Dringk's owner Kurt Gardner wrote on the business' social media pages.
Palm Springs City Manager David Ready said the city has sent a letter to every business license holder reminding them that face coverings are mandatory. In addition, the city has added a banner on Palm Canyon Drive and required signs be posted at their entrances.
If the city sees hot spots, Ready said, they will work with them to ensure compliance. If a bar or restaurant were to willfully refuse to abide by the orders, the city could potentially take action in the form of citations, fines or revoking a business license.
As of Friday evening, no Palm Springs business had lost their license over the face covering mandate, Ready said.
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Shane Newell covers breaking news and the western Coachella Valley cities of Palm Springs, Cathedral City and Desert Hot Springs. He can be reached at shane.newell@desertsun.com, 760-778-4649 or on Twitter at @journoshane.
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