Downtown Athens and the city’s service industry workers have been hit hard by COVID-19. Many businesses temporarily closed in March to comply with CDC regulations and federal orders. These establishments were not allowed to open back up until early June. Since reopening, downtown has slowly and safely started to come back to life. Business owners and service industry workers are just now adjusting to this new normal and getting back on their feet. 
The mayor of Athens is plans to implement a “last call” at 9pm for all establishments downtown. This will affect a large majority of downtown businesses and their employees who’s place of work is typically open until 2 am. Not only is this abuse of power, but also an irrational approach to ensure safety. Businesses have taken the necessary safety precautions and continue to take extra steps daily to ensure the safety of their customers, and the same goes for their employees. Please sign to show your opposition to the Mayor and to show your support of the service industry and the industry’s hard workers.