This morning, Assemblyman Karl Brabenec (R,C,I-Deerpark) joined his Assembly Minority Conference colleagues as they held a virtual press conference with restaurant and bar owners to draw attention to their ongoing struggles caused by Gov. Cuomo’s executive orders extending curfews and restrictions on many small businesses.

Earlier this week, the Assembly Minority Conference signed a letter to Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie and Majority leadership requesting answers from the governor's office and the state Department of Health as to why these restrictions were still in place after the state Legislature supposedly revoked Gov. Cuomo's emergency powers several weeks ago.

The directives regulating operations at bars and restaurants remain in place as similar restrictions placed on such establishments as pool halls, casinos, bowling alleys and fitness centers were lifted.

The press conference this morning gave bar and restaurant owners from across New York state a platform to remind lawmakers how these arbitrary restrictions continue to negatively impact their business and economic recovery.

“In case you thought what the Majority in the Legislature claimed was a removal of the governor's enhanced emergency powers was legit, he continues to extend arbitrary curfews and restrictions on bars and restaurants,” said Brabenec.

“We can't let this continue to happen. There is no logical reason to force some businesses to close while others are allowed to stay open. Our bars and restaurants are safe. Tell Gov. Cuomo and Majority leadership to stop the ridiculous restrictions and let these hardworking men and women get back to work!”