INDIANAPOLIS — Marion County will take its next steps on Monday toward reopening while most of the state has already entered Stage 5 of Indiana’s reopening plan.
Indianapolis is taking things slower with restrictions still in place. Bars and restaurants are seeing progress, but there’s still some frustration across the city.
Sports bars and restaurants around Lucas Oil Stadium said it’s been a difficult season since the Colts usually bring in a lot of business.
Since capacity and bar-top seating restrictions are still in place, they haven't been able to serve as many customers.
“If we compare it to last year, not so great. We compare it to a month ago, it is awesome,” Jimmy Brejcha, general manager of The District Tap downtown, said.
Beginning Monday, restaurants, bars and nightclubs can seat up to 50 percent inside and 100 percent outside. Bar-top seating will remain closed and businesses must shut down by midnight.
A recent survey from the National Restaurant Association says only 41 percent of businesses say they will make it through this winter if sales continue like this.
The District Tap said its sales are half of what they were last year during football season.
"Maybe in another month, we will be able to pack more people in here. Until then, we just keep doing what we do and trying to make the best of it,” Breicha said.
Indiana entered Stage 5 of its reopening plan on Saturday.
Mayor Joe Hogsett said Indianapolis will stay on a different track based on the recent data, which is improving.