COVID, city restrictions were too much for this Westport bar. But now it’s reopening

Two businesses in Westport will be reopening soon, months after shutting down because of the pandemic.

Westport Ale House plans a March 4 opening, while its underground bar, The Fall, plans to open on March 5. Both operations are at 4128 Broadway.

Partner Scott Mars said he feels it is safe to reopen given the falling COVID-19 rates, warmer temperatures for outdoor seating, vaccine rollouts and Mayor Quinton Lucas’ recent rollback on most COVID-19 restrictions for bars, restaurants and indoor gatherings..

Mars said his operations will have a number of safety precautions in place, including hand-sanitizing stations throughout the restaurant, virtual menus, requiring staff to wash their hands every 30 minutes during their shifts, and temperature checks for anyone entering the building.

Customers also will need to submit contact information before they enter and will be seated at tables six feet apart.

Westport Ale House temporarily closed in September following an outbreak of COVID-19 among its staff. Seven employees tested positive for the virus. It reopened a couple of weeks later, but then it closed again in mid-November after the city enacted tighter COVID-19 restrictions, including a curfew for restaurants and bars.

“When they were moving 3 a.m. licenses to 10 o’clock for the bar businesses, the more responsible decision was to close down,” Mars said. “It is obviously much more social than a Capital Grille where everyone is sitting down in their spots.”

Many Westport Ale House employees are returning, Mars said, and he plans to hire 12 to 15 more in early spring.

Westport Ale House will be open from 3 p.m. to close Wednesdays and Thursdays, from 2 p.m. to close Fridays, and from 11 a.m. to close Saturdays and Sundays.