Starting Friday, bars and restaurants in Auburn will only be allowed to sell alcohol to seated customers, according to a new resolution passed by the Auburn City Council on Thursday. 

The Council held a meeting via zoom to discuss further procedures they are planning to take to limit any further spread of COVID-19. 

The resolution, which declares a state of local emergency, comes days after videos and pictures of packed bars downtown surfaced on social media.

“Starting August 28, 5:00 pm, all ABC licensed alcohol establishments in the City of Auburn shall suspend walk-up bar services at indoor bars and only allow alcohol to be served to seated to seated customers,” the resolution stated.  

This resolution will not apply to any ABC licensed establishment with an outdoor bar that is complying with all local and state regulations. 

Auburn Chief of Police, Cedric Anderson, said citations will be issued with a fine of no more than $500 if a business continues to violate the resolution. 

“As far as enforcement goes this is something that we have been already enforcing,” Anderson said. “We have dedicated six officers each night that are tasked with patrolling the downtown area to make sure businesses are maintaining the proper procedures.” 

According to the resolution, if an establishment is not following proper social distancing or is not in compliance with the resolution, they can be prohibited from selling alcohol until the matter is remedied.