Bowling alleys cleared to open

By CLOEY CALLAHAN
Posted 8/19/20

Pat Tarsio Lanes is reopening on Wednesday, August 19 after the announcement from Governor Andrew M. Cuomo that bowling alleys can reopen starting Monday, August 17.

The guidelines from the state …

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Bowling alleys cleared to open

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Pat Tarsio Lanes is reopening on Wednesday, August 19 after the announcement from Governor Andrew M. Cuomo that bowling alleys can reopen starting Monday, August 17.

The guidelines from the state require bowling alleys to operate at 50 percent capacity. Additionally, face coverings and social distancing are required at all times, every other lane must be closed and customers must stay at their assigned lane.

Thorough cleaning and disinfection of shared or rented equipment, like bowling balls and shoes, is required between each use.

“We will be able to open bowling alleys across the state with strict safety protocols in place, providing a level of fun and recreation at a time when New Yorkers really need it,” said Cuomo during Friday’s press conference.

While aiming for a Monday reopening, management at Pat Tarsio Lanes ultimately decided to wait until Wednesday. Their website states, “Please know that this is in the best interest of our staff and patrons and we are doing everything in our power to maintain everyone’s safety.”

Adhering to the state’s guidelines, Pat Tarsio Lanes is opening at 50 percent capacity, thoroughly sanitizing and requiring face masks at all times. There are no birthday parties allowed or specials running like the popular Wacky Wednesday.

Servers have been staffed to bring food purchases directly to the lanes. Additionally, plastic dividers have been placed on countertops and there is signage on the floor to mark a six foot distance.

When someone is done with their lane they drop off their bowling ball and shoes, which are then brought to the back for full disinfection.

Bowling leagues will follow guidelines from the United States Bowling Congress.

“You shut down for that much time, there’s a major impact,” said employee Rich Groff. “We are losing leagues, especially the winter leagues that start at the end of August, beginning of September.”

Responses from Newburgh residents and business owners show that the reopening is long awaited.

“I’m all for it,” said Gabe Capobianchi, 20-year local business owner. “You have to trust the business owners to do it right – they have every right to survive financially. And the numbers are so low.”

As of August 16, Orange county has tested 115,994 people overall with 9.9 percent being positive. Statewide, less than one percent of the total tested are positive on a day by day basis.

Some residents ridiculed how long the Governor waited to allow the reopening of bowling alleys, comparing it to other businesses already open.

One Facebook user, Julie Tremblay, said, “Well hey, the Mansion is open,” referring to a gentlemen’s club in Newburgh.

“It’s about time that they are allowed to open,” said Angela Helt. “They have had safety plans figured out for months and will most likely be safer than some businesses that are already open.”