How would Milwaukee businesses handle another round of restrictions?

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett said Wednesday, Aug. 4, "everything is on the table" when discussing how the city can curb the recent resurgence of COVID-19.

Barrett said when it comes to possible added restrictions, the Milwaukee Health Department is skeptical of their ability to enforce rules.

"I think we all recognize that for what reason I don't know, this has become a highly politicized pandemic," Barrett said.

Jack's American Pub said if businesses have to go through another round of COVID-19 restrictions, some might not make it out alive.

"It would be rough," Jack's Operations Manager Ryan Cook said. "It was really rough the last time. We're about to start entering the slower winter months. It would be tough, but we could handle it."

Some businesses have voluntarily kept capacity restrictions and more of a takeout model.

Pete's Pub said they went through restrictions once, and they can do it again.

"It was handled pretty well in the past," shift manager Collin Goeman said. "I know a lot of the bars got hit with fines, but everyone did a really solid job just trying to keep the masks on, keep everyone coming in."

Alderwoman Milele Coggs said her decisions on city policy will follow science.

"I support business," Coggs said. "I always will. But it is the health and wellbeing of the citizens of the city of Milwaukee and the residents that I care about the most."