Alcohol ban rescinded

For the first time in almost two months, bars in Alabama can serve alcohol past 11 p.m.

You're taking a live look at furniture factory in huntsville.

For the first time in almost 2 months, bars in alabama can serve alcohol past 11 o-clock.

That's because today -- the state's "alcoholic beverage control" board voted to remove the time limit put in place - to clear out bars earlier and help fight the spread of coronavirus.

Now bars can stay open until 2 a-m again - something bar owners say will help them make ends meet.

Waay 31's casey albritton is live at the bar with how the change will impact employees.

Casey?

It's an exciting night for bar owners-- the owner of furniture factory says he's seen a 40 percent decrease in income since the orginal order went into effect august first...and now he hopes his employees can make up that money.

Michael stewart/ manager "we have always relied on a late- night crowd, people staying over late."

Mark komara/ owner "i've lost close to 40 percent of our sales."

For almost two months...the patio at furniture factory has been mostly empty past eleven p-m.

Mark komara/ owner "that's where i do a lot of my business."

Employees at bars all over north alabama struggled to make ends meet.

Michael stewart/ manager "it was a little bit of a hard hit for me as a bartender, and for my family."

With the previous order to stop serving alcohol by eleven, adjustments had to be made.

Mark komara/ owner "people who work here all the time, gave up their shifts for others."

But now-- the sound of drinks being poured can be heard into the early morning hours again.

Michael stewart/ manager "i was kind of jumping for joy with excitement."

Mark komara/ owner "it's like a christmas present i guess."

An early christmas present that will bring financial stability.

Mark komara/ owner "they are going to be able to pay their bills."

And something diamonds sports bar manager michael stewart says couldn't have come at a better time.

Michael stewart/ manager "it's nice to know that, especially with the holidays coming up, that i'm going to be able to take care of my family the way i need to."

Masks are required unless people are sitting at a table, and eating or drinking-- and the a-b-c board says social distancing should be enforced.

Live in huntsville, casey albritton, waay 31