The Newark City Council Monday night pulled ordinances from the agenda that if enacted would limit private social gatherings to 10 or fewer and close down seating in bar areas.
The agenda had previously mentioned an executive session regarding emergency ordinances and possible litigation. The agenda was later amended.
The executive session was apparently in reference to a possible lawsuit by Wilmington lawyer Thomas Neuberger. Neuberger said he represented two dozen restaurants that were unhappy with the possibility of the city having restrictions that differ from those from the state.
At the Monday night council meeting, Mayor Jerry Clifton said he was disappointed that restaurant-bar owners are not willing to do more about seating people who are not related to one another.
“I probably wasted my time in getting something that would protect Newark,” Clifton said.
Marc Ashby of the Deer Park Tavern said the restaurant industry is serious about meeting state requirements that prohibit “shoulder to shoulder” gathering at bars.
Caitlin Olsen, a representative of the University of Delaware, said the institution would support restrictions on the size of gatherings.
Councilmember Chris Hamilton offered lengthy comments on the need to continue to monitor the reopening of the University of Delaware and the thousands of students and staff that will converge on Newark.
Councilmember Jason Lawhorn said he was uncomfortable with the limit of 10 on social gatherings, especially when it comes to family members holding a get-together.
Lawhorn said some of the students are already in Newark and did not see a big surge.
Lawhorn also said some businesses, other than restaurants, have more challenges with social distancing than bars and restaurants. He noted that a recent visit to a Wawa showed the challenges of social distancing and some people not properly wearing their masks.
Council members expressed support the Wednesday night alfresco dining events that closed Main Street and a promotion that sells beer at a city park.
