JAMESTOWN, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – Businesses will be allowed to continue the off-sale of alcohol as part of a moratorium through May 21st.

The moratorium was introduced by the city on March 26th in response to an executive order by Governor Doug Burgum closing all on- and off-sale for restaurants, breweries, and others in North Dakota.

Because the moratorium was scheduled to end Monday, May 4th, the council discussed ending it or extending it. Here’s Mayor Dwaine Heinrich.

Councilmember Dave Steele said it would be important to extend the moratorium based on the uncertainty of the COVID-19.

Jamestown bartender/server Jacob Niemeier came before the council and shared his concerns for staff members and the restrictions set by the state.

Niemeier says the moratorium would allow bartenders and servers at all open and closed restaraunts to continue making a liveable wage.

The council moved to extend the moratorium until May 21st and will address it once again at their committee meeting.