Governor Orders “Bars” to Close in Select California Counties – Winery Tasting Rooms Not Impacted

Governor Newsom has issued a mandatory order for seven counties and a recommended order for eight other counties on the County Monitoring Listto close “bars” to curb the spread of COVID-19.

The order specifically states, “brewpubs, breweries, bars, and pubs, should close until those establishments are allowed to resume operation per state guidance and local permission, unless they are offering sit-down, dine-in meals.”

Wine Institute has confirmed that this order is not intended to impact winery tasting rooms. The Governor’s Office specifically commended wineries for following the state guidance and providing a safe environment for customers. While winery tasting rooms are not impacted by the Governor’s order, wineries must continue to ensure full compliance with all federal, state, and county health and safety requirements. Wineries should also adhere to the recent mandatory face covering guidance and if feasible, have disposable masks available for customers.

Wine Institute advocacy efforts ensured that winery tasting rooms are viewed as separate from bars and other establishments in the state reopening guidelines for “restaurants, bars, and wineries.” However, if wineries are viewed as being part of the spread of COVID-19, the state or a county could include tasting rooms in a future shutdown order. Los Angeles County has already gone beyond the governor’s mandate and has issued an order for winery tasting rooms to close.

*County did not have “bars” open at the time of the order being issued.