Since March due to the coronavirus pandemic, local Long Beach businesses have been forced to adapt and seat outside dining. After nearly four months of regulated hibernation, numerous culinary streets have had a better idea. They’ve removed street parking, replacing the spots with barriers, both concrete and plastic, painted and unpainted. These new spaces have transformed over the last nine months into lively, exciting dining destinations, with customers strolling in masks, and servers in both masks and, often, plastic shields, with rubber gloves.
On Dec. 7, Mayor Robert Garcia announced a $5 million relief fund to support barber shops, nail salons and other personal care services, as well as independently owned gyms. Long Beach City Council also approved a $5 million “resiliency fund” on Dec. 9 to assist restaurants, breweries and bars that have been impacted by COVID-19 health mandates.
With many businesses temporarily closed under the state’s stricter stay-at-home orders, businesses have been feeling the impact.
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Beers & Benders 