It's ventilation; not alcohol. Two people drinking together on a sidewalk are considerably less dangerous than two people eating inside. @ACE_Fitzgerald was right to close indoor drinking. He ought to have also closed indoor dining. But, let people eat and drink outdoors.

We are watching the successes of other countries but failing to craft tailor smart policies in our own. Yes, overflowing drinkers on the south side suck. But, the quiet and perfectly safe bliss of a beer at the @RoundaboutBrew beer garden is safe. Now they will have to close.

However, please congregate indoors at an Applebees! Cheesecake Factory! Just no drinks!

There are good and responsible breweries and bars out there (you'll notice -- we're the same ones who didn't let people dine in our dining room as those who did let this spread like wild fire over the last two weeks). We read. We think. We have social consciences. Ask us.

Encourage businesses to change to adapt to COVID. Help them get outdoor seating. Idiots are going to be idiots. Help them be idiots in more responsible settings. House parties will SURGE now. We should be having beer gardens in every street in this city to prevent that.

You were correct, @ACE_Fitzgerald and @billpeduto -- something had to be done. And fast. But we can build smart policies around the data we have, and what we know about COVID is that is spreads quickly and efficiently indoors. Focus on that.

Together you have the ability to lead as the nation struggles. Let Pittsburgh show the rest of the country that we can crush COVID while enjoying the sunshine. Consider policies that encourage people to head outdoors. Revisit open container laws. Help bars have block parties.

. @ACE_Fitzgerald and @billpeduto Please consider the reasoning that we shared when we made a decision not to reopen our dining rooms, and please re-consider your decision to ban outdoor alcohol sales. http://www.independentpgh.com/independent-opinions