The Pennsylvania lawmakers this week signed off on legislation that proponents say eases the restrictions bar and restaurant owners face amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

A Senate amendment to House Bill 2513 allows restaurants and taverns to operate at 50 percent capacity and potentially higher if their premises allows. The measure also removes a ban on bar service, eliminates a requirement that patrons buy a meal to purchase alcohol and permits event venues to operate at a 50 percent capacity.

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