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Concerns over large Labor Day weekend crowds in Las Vegas

Posted at 9:10 PM, Sep 06, 2020
and last updated 2020-09-07 10:33:48-04

LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — Some Las Vegas taverns are concerned after seeing a lack of social distancing happening at area hotspots this Labor Day weekend amid the coronavirus pandemic.

RELATED:Large crowd observed at Fremont Street Experience despite warnings

Videos showed a packed Fremont Street Friday night, showing hundreds with little to no social distancing, and many without masks.

This all happening after a plea from Gov. Steve Sisolak to prevent more COVID-19 cases.

“Please be extra safe this Labor Day weekend, after Memorial Day we had a surge,” said Gov. Sisolak.

Taverns across Las Vegas are feeling fearful of a surge in COVID-19 cases, while they are already struggling to get back on their feet.

“The tourists that are coming into town and are staying not six feet away from each other, but social distancing six inches away from each other,” says Brian Slipock, owner of Jackson’s Bar and Grill near Flamingo and Jones.

Jackson’s is following state-mandated coronavirus guidelines by cutting back their service, and the amount of employees working.

“Yet we have a bar where we have lots of space and mechanisms in place to keep them safe, yet they can’t sit there and do the exact same thing,” says Slipock.

RELATED: Las Vegas tavern frustrated over rules regarding live entertainment

At Edge of Town Bar and Grille near Cheyenne & 215, it’s a similar story.

“The common-sense side of it doesn’t seem right that there’s thousands of people on Fremont Street or a hotel pool, and that’s okay,” says Rick Pollock, owner.

Pollock is nervous about how the big crowds coming to play in Las Vegas amid the pandemic will hurt small businesses.

“We’re handcuffed and it’s devastating, another shutdown and I don’t think most of us are going to make it, honestly,” says Pollock.