RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — Gov. Roy Cooper has vetoed legislation that would have let North Carolina standalone bars serve patrons again in contradiction to his executive order that’s aimed at halting the spread of COVID-19.
The vetoed bill would have allowed bars to only reopen outdoors, as well as give additional outdoor seating to restaurants that Cooper agreed could again serve dine-in customers two weeks ago.
The governor wrote Friday that the bill would have limited the ability of leaders to respond quickly to a surge in the virus.
A veto override looks unlikely. Legislators are advancing another measure that would allow gyms to open against Cooper’s wishes.
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