3 WNY Restaurants to Get Liquor Licenses Back Per Judge's Order

Three Western New York bars will get their liquor licenses back after an order by a judge. According to WKBW, a New York State Supreme Court judge has ordered the State's Liquor Authority to return the licenses to Santora's Pizza Pub & Grill, Papi Grande's Mexican Restaurant and Cantina, and Prescott Provisions. The three restaurants were part of a larger group that sued Governor Andrew Cuomo and the State to be able to reopen.

The restaurants that sued to have the restrictions under an Orange Zone classification lifted have been given the green light to reopen. On January 13, 2021, New York Supreme Court Judge Henry Nowak announced that the restaurants can temporarily reopen indoor dining, according to WKBW.

After Judge Nowak issued the decision, the Erie County Health Department allowed all restaurants to reopen indoor dining, not just those who sued. The restaurants must follow yellow zone restrictions. Only four people are allowed per table, both indoors and outdoors, under Yellow Zone rules. Bars and restaurants also must close indoor and outdoor dining by 10 pm, according to the rules provided by NY Forward.

WNY Restaurants Want to Stay Open Later for Playoff Game

Some restaurants are asking for a temporary extension to the 10 pm rule, for this Sunday only. They want to stay open slightly later since the Buffalo Bills game won't be finished until close to 10 pm. Even if they aren't granted permission to stay open past 10 pm, the "Playoffs on the Patios" event will still take place on Sunday. Buffalo Bills fans can watch the playoff game on Chippewa Street again. After New York State said "no" to the 'Playoffs on the Patios' last week, Mayor Byron Brown has given the event the green light this week, according to WIVB.