Nashville Declares Public Health Emergency, Closes Lower Broadway Bars

Nashville Mayor John Cooper and the Metro Board of Health announced Sunday (March 15) that effective immediately, bars on Nashville’s Lower Broadway and throughout Davidson County would close until further notice, as part of a Declaration of a Public Health Emergency for Nashville and Davidson County, in light of the continuing spread of the COVID-19 novel coronavirus. Restaurants have also been advised to limit their maximum seating to less than 50% of capacity, and capped at no more than 100 individuals. Furthermore, bar service at restaurants should be limited to 50% of capacity, with no standing allowed.

“We understand these changes create a hardship, especially for businesses and their employees, and we hope it will be short lived,’’ Cooper said. “As a priority, Metro Government will be focused on how to provide relief for local workers and address the inevitable hardship that these social distancing measures will have on local businesses. We are gathering information from state and federal officials on aid for businesses and workers. We will continue to communicate regularly and follow the recommendations of the Board of Health as this emergency evolves.”

Luke Bryan posted a video on social media, stating that he will honor the wishes of Mayor Cooper and close his Nashville-based Luke’s 32Bridge Bar+Drink until further notice.

Some leaders in Nashville’s hospitality industry offered statements of affirmation following the announcement.

“We are in full support of the decision of the Mayor and Metro Nashville Board of Health regarding bars and restaurants,” Butch Spyridon, president and CEO of the Nashville Convention and Visitors Corp., said in a statement. “Any short-term mitigation to slow the spread of this virus is invaluable to our long-term recovery and more importantly the health and safety of our community.”

As of March 16, there are 52 positive cases of COVID-19 in Tennessee, including 25 in Davidson County, according to the TN Department of Health.

Cooper’s announcement that Nashville bars will close is the latest cancelation of live events in Nashville. The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum announced it has temporarily closed its doors, while the Grand Ole Opry is airing only Saturday night concerts (with no audience). The Ryman Auditorium has temporarily shuttered its evening events. On Sunday, the Academy of Country Music announced its awards show is also being rescheduled for later in the year.

Several artists have also postponed tour dates, including Dan+Shay, Reba McEntire, Kenny Chesney, Blake Shelton, Little Big Town and more, as the music industry’s top concert promoters and touring agencies, including Live Nation, AEG, WME, CAA and more, formed a task force and recommended the halting of all AEG and Live Nation tours through the end of March.

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Jessica Nicholson

Jessica Nicholson serves as the Managing Editor for MusicRow magazine. Her previous music journalism experience includes work with Country Weekly magazine and Contemporary Christian Music (CCM) magazine. She holds a BBA degree in Music Business and Marketing from Belmont University. She welcomes your feedback at jnicholson@musicrow.com.

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