HONOLULU – Hawaii Governor David Ige signed the attached Executive Order (No. 20-04) that authorizes liquor licensees to sell unopened beer, unopened wine, or pre-packaged cocktails with food for pick up, delivery, take out, or other means to be consumed off the licensed premises.

The Executive Order also authorizes the Honolulu Liquor Commission to waive, suspend, or postpone any deadlines or administrative procedures as it relates to licenses or classes.

“The Honolulu Liquor Commission appreciates the temporary relief provided to our licensees by the Governor’s Executive Order,” said Franklin Don Pacarro, Jr., Liquor Control Administrator of the Honolulu Liquor Commission. “The ability to provide unopened alcohol products with takeout food orders makes practical sense, with no appreciable negative impact to the health and safety of the community.”

This Order is in effect until 11:59 p.m. on April 30.

Restaurant owners say this will help their business.

“It’s more cash, more income for us to help pay the staff and everything,” said Don Murphy, Murphy’s Bar and Grill owner.

He said alcohol is about 40 percent of their sales annually, and he’s hoping
this will give them a major boost.

Gyotaku owner and chairman of the Hawaii Restaurant Association Tom Jones, said every little bit helps.

“So we have this stock and we want to sell everything we can to keep the cash flow moving. With the dining room sales gone, we need every dollar we can get,” said Jones.

All employees of essential businesses, like restaurants, must wear face coverings. Signage must be up, warning anyone entering to stay out if they don’t feel well. Gov. Ige said try not to have any unnecessary physical contact, if possible.

“Each essential business shall determine the max number of customers it can accommodate while being able to maintain 6-feet distancing,” said Gov. Ige.

To help with social distancing when interacting with customers, the state is encouraging businesses to use a transparent shield or barrier.

Jones said they have plexiglass shields, but other businesses have been getting creative.

“A lot of restaurants I’ve seen, they put a row of tables between the counter… the cashier counter… and the customer. So they put it from the cashier counter onto the other table and the customers pick it from there” said Jones.

As with many other places, Gyotaku is using tape to help maintain space.

“We have tape on the floor over here it’s a visual cue for the customers,” said Jones.

Jones said with the new rules in place, customers shouldn’t be afraid to say something if they see a worker not following them.

“My recommendation would be to talk to the restaurant owner. You know be frank with them, and say I love your food, but I’m really concerned about people not wearing masks or gloves,” said Jones. “And then say let me know when you’re up to speed and I’ll come back.”