Carson City local businesses prepare for opening under Governor's 'Phase 2' mandate

While Phase 2 is allowing for more businesses to open, the language of the mandate is leaving some businesses confused, while others have already begun planning their reopening this weekend.

According to Carson City’s Recreation Superintendent Dan Earp, the language of the Phase 2 order wasn't clear on exactly how pools could open but they have since received an update from the state, and are prepared to open tentatively on Monday, June 8.

The issue came from the fact that while the fact that pools and water parks are allowed to open under Phase 2, showers had to remain closed. However, per health code, pools aren’t allowed to operate without their being available showers.

Since that time, however, the state announced that showers would be available so long as all seating is removed from locker rooms.

One reason for the delay is that the pool is very large and will need several days to heat. Lap swimming and the therapy pool will be the only pools open for the time being.

Carson City’s Shoe Tree Brewing Company is now allowed to open under Phase 2, and co-owner Paul Young said they are working hard to make sure they’ll be able to provide a safe space for customers.

They have expanded shaded areas in the outside areas of the brewery and measured each table to be six feet apart. They’re hoping most customers will stay outside and leave the inside areas for older customers or those who need to stay out of the heat.

“We went around all of the outside areas with tape measures and made sure everything was spaced out appropriately and added extra shade outside,” said Young. “We’re hoping everyone will hang out outside.”

In addition, Young said there will be extra staff on hand to make sure no one is waiting for drinks or forming lines.

“We’re going to be doing what’s called ‘cocktailing’ where the staff will walk around to each table to make sure no one is getting frustrated or coming up to the bar to order,” said Young.

Young doesn’t know what the response will be from the public, but they want to make sure they are prepared for anything.

“We’re trying to be as proactive as we can,” said Young. “We don’t really know if people will be chomping at the bit or if people are wary of going out, so we’re just making sure we have everything in place in case it gets busy.”

Young simply asks the public to give businesses time to adjust

“Be patient with us, we’re in the same boat with everyone else,” said Young.

Tap Shack owner Mike Lloyd said that while he is nervous about reopening, he is also excited and will be opening on Saturday at 1 p.m. with new restrictions in place.

For example, the bar will be closed off with caution tape so that no one will sit at the bar. Instead, he has expanded tables on the back and front patios and has built a new patio bar to serve patrons outside.

“I just want to be safe about it,” said Lloyd. “We can only let 11 people inside at once, and we’ll be wearing gloves and masks and we’ll be keeping people from congregating in tight crowds.”

Tattoo parlors will also be allowed to reopen under Phase 2, and Carson City’s Rice Street Tattoo has enacted several new policies to keep everyone safe.

According to Rice Street’s Lezlee Robinson, they are committed to making a safe environment for their staff and customers.

Some of the policies include an appointment only policy with no walk ins allowed. Consultations will be held by appointment, phone or email only. Guests will not be allowed unless parental consent is needed.

“We will also be screening all clients,” said Robinson. “If they have symptoms they will be asked to reschedule.”

Masks will be required for all clients, as well as artists and staff members.

“We will continue sanitizing before, during and after all appointments,” said Robinson. “We will be adapting as things change.”

You can learn more about what is allowed under Phase 2 here.