On March 15 at 2:45 p.m., Nashville Mayor John Cooper announced the closure of bars throughout Davidson Country—including downtown’s famed Lower Broadway district—in response to the COVID-19 public health emergency.

The Metro Board of Health convened for an emergency meeting on March 15 at 5 p.m., unanimously approving the mayor’s proposal, which includes:

• closing bars throughout Davidson County, including Lower Broadway
• limiting restaurant seating to less than 50 percent of capacity, with no more than 100 individuals allowed in a given establishment
• limiting bar service at restaurants to 50 percent capacity with no standing allowed

The Metro Board of Health has scheduled an emergency meeting for today at 5:00 PM. In advance of that meeting, I am asking for specific, short-term action to be taken effective immediately regarding our bars and restaurants. pic.twitter.com/xxbuwYypbC

— Mayor John Cooper (@JohnCooper4Nash) March 15, 2020

Not all Lower Broadway businesses are complying with the Metro Board of Health’s mandate. Steve Smith, the owner of Tootsies Orchid Lounge, Rippy’s, Honky Tonk Central, Kid Rock’s Big Ass Honky Tonk & Steakhouse and The Diner, says his businesses will continue to remain open to serve the public until a mandate is issued by the Tennessee governor.