Roswell, Alpharetta and Johns Creek joined Sandy Springs on Friday ordering restaurants to limit business to takeout and delivery service only.
The three cities had previously declared a state of emergency, paving the way for them to take quick action to protect the public from the spread of coronavirus.
The laws enacted by the three allows restaurants who hold alcohol permits to sell closed bottles of wine and beer with food takeout orders.
Sandy Springs passed the ordinance early Friday afternoon, and the other three cities followed suit later in the day.
In addition to restaurant restrictions, Alpharetta, Roswell and Sandy Springs closed gyms and fitness centers, movie theaters, live performance venues, bowling alleys, arcades, and private social clubs that serve food.
The city of Alpharetta cancelled Taste of Alpharetta, which was planned for May and draws up to 40,000 people.
Roswell Mayor Lori Henry exercised her authority outside of City Council. “To protect the public’s safety and welfare during the COVID-19 pandemic, I am using my executive authority as mayor to enact additional measures to regulate communal behavior,” said Henry in a statement.
Earlier in the day, Alpharetta official stated the city had not decided to close or limit eateries in any way.
“Unfortunately, some members of the public are ignoring the social distancing measures that the CDC and other public health agencies have prescribed to help slow and contain the spread of COVID-19,” said, Alpharetta Mayor Jim Gilvin, Friday evening. “Their poor decisions have made it necessary to enact these strong measures in order to protect the public.”
Social distancing suggested by health officials requires that people keep at least six feet of distance between them to reduce the chance that the virus can spread from person to person.
Johns Creek City Council members passed the restaurant measure in a split vote after emotional arguments on the loss of employment to servers and bartenders, and the intrusion of civil liberties of business owners. The did not vote to close other establishments that serve food.
Council member Chris Coughlin suggested he and fellow council members donate their city salary to restaurant staff for the duration of the state of emergency.
Councilman Lenny Zaprowski responded, “No one takes this lightly, it’s a very serious issue but we are trying to stop the spread (of this disease). No one is taking this lightly.”
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