I am not Out&About right now as I understand what the consequences could be to be among crowds in bars and restaurants. Yes, I am talking about the Coronavirus that is sweeping the world. As you all know basically everything is closed including all bars and restaurants. I am crying but that okay as health comes first. Here is some advice from one of the top SLA lawyers, Terry Flynn: “The Covid 19 Virus has affected every aspect of our life’s. Everyone’s primary concern is to prevent the spread of the virus and to protect all individuals. The firm of a Flynn & Flynn PLLC will continue to operate and serve our client’s needs. Meetings will only be held when necessary. The NYS Liquor Authority has cancelled all 500 Foot and Disciplinary Hearings for the next two weeks. All other matters will continue forward. The State Liquor Authority and the Governor have approved the following temporary measures:
“1 – On premises alcohol licensees will now be able to deliver alcohol (not just beer, which you can do now) as well as allow alcohol for take-out. There will be guidance later today from the SLA how this will work. We will provide a further email once those guidelines are provided.
“2 – The requirement for placing your license into safekeeping for those restaurants, bars, clubs that are closing has been waived for 90 days. We will revisit this issue in a later email.
“3 – You may receive credit and return any alcohol purchased since March 1st to the wholesaler. The closing of many restaurants and bars within NYC will have a profound effect on the food and beverage industry and the lives of our clients and their employees.
“Flynn & Flynn will continue to be available to assist our clients with all their legal needs. God bless and keep you safe Terrence Flynn Jr.”
A lot of my friends are going to be out of work and because I am working from home to bring you as much information on what is happening I ask you all to reach out to one another; if one falls we all fall so by saying that we have all got to help each other in these tough times and you know what it means.
If you all stand together and protect each other you will all come out on the right side of this. There is no class distinction in this as we are all known as the fighting Irish and no one can run the bars and restaurant like you. The other great loss in all this is the Irish theatre and centers that are a big part of the Irish Community who are also at a standstill. I feel so sorry for all the actors, producers, directors and theatre staff that are all out of work and will not get paid.
We cannot live without the Irish theatre as it is our home from home and so enjoyable and historical which again is part of who we are.
Enough of the doom and gloom though, we will get through it and move on with our lives for the better things that are to come. All of us in the Irish media business will be here for you and bring as much positive good news as possible especially from Ireland as that is where our hearts are no matter which county North or South, we will bring you the news.
I have to add this note I received this week which was again very heartwarming to me as I support the Catholic Charities. It said: “On behalf of everyone at Catholic Charities, I want to wish you a very Happy Saint Patrick’s Day. Today is a proud celebration of Irish culture and Catholic faith, but the holiday’s essence reaches far beyond any one nation or religion.
“Saint Patrick endured poverty and suffering in his time, and generations of Irish who followed endured famine, violence, and persecution in their own land. Many traveled perilously over land and sea to build a better life in this country.
“Their stories are not so different from those of today’s neediest New Yorkers: the mother struggling to provide enough food for her growing children, the ailing veteran under threat of eviction, the aspiring student struggling to cover the costs of college, or the young couple fleeing oppression abroad.
“As we celebrate today, I am reminded of the vulnerable among us — but I am also reminded of the generosity and compassion of friends like you, who embody the spirit of Saint Patrick and do their part to support and empower the vulnerable.
“Sincerely, Msgr. Kevin Sullivan Executive Director.”
Finally, this came to my attention from Jack O’Brien with a message that we all know by now and hopefully will get much better very soon: “May our Patron Saint Bless us and guide us all through the year. As I discussed at the February County Board Meeting, Hibernians must try to support Irish events wherever possible. Any event titled as IRISH should have representation from our Order. This is our charter.
“However, with the cancellation of so many events, please remember to abide by the restrictions of your various jurisdictions. Remember at this time, we are to follow the lead set by our municipality and work hand in hand with our elected officials.
“Protecting the Women, children, and the Public at large is our duty and more so this Saint Patrick’s Day season.
“Thanks to those of you who have thought of creative new ways to Celebrate it with Christianity and joy wherever you are. From piping in your neighborhood to sharing photos of past St. Patrick’s Day memories, we keep the culture flowing.
“All the best, Jack O’Brien, President Nassau County Ancient order of Hibernians.”
That is my Out&About from my bedroom for this week and boy am I thirsty. Talk to you all next week when I am, hopefully, Out&About again…