NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — A coalition of downtown bars and restaurants in Nashville have launched a new campaign putting health and safety first.
Announced in a press release Wednesday, Be a Honky Tonk Hero asks those who love Broadway and the entertainment it offers to follow health guidelines.
As part of the campaign, patrons of the downtown area have been asked to stay home if sick, wash their hands frequently, wear a mask unless seated at an establishment, socially distance while walking in bars or restaurants and when outside on Broadway and wear a mask at all times while outside.
Establishments will offer free masks to any who don't have their own. Visitors will be encouraged to take the mask with them when they leave.
These guidelines are also intended to protect the safety of Broadway's workers.
The campaign is being launched as bars in the downtown area are currently closed; however, restaurants in the area that are open and participating will start promoting Be a Honky Tonk Hero as campaign elements roll out. Bars will be ready to promote the campaign as soon as they are allowed to open.
“We believe opening bars can be a part of the solution—just as restaurants are doing a good job working under the city’s guidance, bars are ready and able to operate the same way,” said Barrett Hobbs, owner of Cumberland Hospitality Group. “When bars open it will allow us to help alleviate overflow in the streets and bring patrons into a socially distanced environment that we are able to control and enforce health guidelines. Our employees and musicians are eager to come back to work to act as ambassadors for our campaign and for safe and healthy practices throughout downtown.”
The Be a Honky Tonk Hero campaign includes a website with information on best practices; social media accounts such as Facebook, Twitter and Instagram; signage posted outside of bars and restaurants and training employees to speak with customers about best practices both inside and outside of bars and restaurants. Giveaways for those on the street following guidelines will also be implemented, but more information on that is promised to come later.
