Guam bars opening, but military order prohibits Navy, Marines & Coast Guard

Guam's bars will be open tonight. For the first time in three months, patrons will be able to party at their favorite watering holes and enjoy some adult beverages. Public Health approved the re-opening, but social distancing protocols still apply.  

Phil Roberto is the owner of popular Hagatna nightspot The Venue. He says he expects the first night back there will be plenty of people ready to party.

"I'm excited for our staff," he proclaimed, "because they're eager to get back to work, I'm excited for all our patrons because they've been messaging me for the past week saying do we need reservations, do we need reservations, so I feel this pent up frustration of people wanting to come out, I don't want to say let loose, but just get out of the house."

He had to make some changes in the bar to meet the social distancing guidelines. He spread out the tables, cut back the seating, invested in some temperature sensors, saying, "We're asking that you don't congregate at the bar, there's only twelve bar stools set up at this time to limit the number of people at the bar. Bar staff will be actively at the tables taking orders to keep people in their seats. They'll also be taking payments at the seats."

Roberto is also confident the customers will comply with health and safety protocols, and the typical social courtesies.

"I think after ninety days of being locked-down and not interacting at this social level, I think people should have common sense at this point and know what to do and what not to do. You know don't get into any other persons space and whatnot and I think we can move forward in having a good time without risking anybody getting sick," he said.

"It's kind of like a belated birthday for us, the venue turned fourteen years old earlier this month, and we just want to welcome you back and get this belated birthday party started."

However, Joint Region Marianas Command issued an order effective today prohibiting all Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard personnel from access to all bars and restaurants. The order cites the ongoing public health emergency and "increased reports of positive COVID-19 cases on Guam in the past 36 hours." The temporary order will terminate on Thursday June 25th at 4:00 p.m. unless it is rescinded sooner.

Meanwhile, permanent and temporary Air Force personnel at Andersen Air Force Base must still limit travel to essential trips only such as grocery shopping, the gas station and pharmacy. The policy will remain in effect until further directed.