Hudson businesses brace for stricter COVID restrictions after Wisconsin governor imposes new rules

Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers announced new restrictions for bars and restaurants Tuesday.

Right now, bars and restaurants are allowed to be open at 50% capacity. However, starting Thursday, that number will be reduced to 25%. As for small businesses without capacities, 10 customers will be allowed in at a time.

Paul Barber, who operates Ziggy’s in downtown Hudson, told 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS the tighter restraints are going to be tough to handle because the first six months of the pandemic has already been challenging.

Wisconsin governor restricts public indoor gatherings

"I mean at 50%, it is extremely tough when you want to bring in bands and pay staff," Barber said. "So at 25% capacity, it is really going to get dicey."

Barber said he is still confident Ziggy’s can survive through the new restriction period but hopes they do not go beyond Nov. 6, which is the day the governor will review the restriction to determine if it goes back to 50% or stays at 25%.

"We have a great staff and they are willing to do whatever it takes to get through this," Barber said. "But all of us, all of the small bars and restaurants here are hoping this is short-lived."

The Wisconsin Republican Party said it is considering a legal challenge to these latest restrictions.