Burlington Reporter

Bowling alleys, skating rinks and food and drink businesses at minor league baseball stadiums could open in North Carolina under legislation House and the Senate lawmakers approved.

“Our family-owned small businesses are struggling as a result of the Governor’s inconsistent executive orders," House Speaker Tim Moore (R-Cleveland) said in a statement on his website posted on June 16. "It is time to let the private sector lead with smart health and safety measures to begin our state’s economic recovery."

The legislation would let facilities to reopen following the 12-point plan, the statement said. Part of the plan would allow bowling alleys and skating rinks could open at 50% capacity. 

Existing food and drink businesses at the minor league baseball parks could provide outdoor food and drink with a limit for seating of no more than 10% of the stadium’s capacity, the statement said. The businesses would still need to follow the approved requirements for health and safety.

Rep. John Szoka (R-Cumberland) and Rep. Jon Hardister (R-Guilford) blamed Gov. Cooper for picking winners and losers with his orders.

“This legislation is another step to getting North Carolinians back to work while prioritizing health and safety,” Reps. Szoka and Hardister said in the statement on Moore's website.