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SAN DIEGO (KGTV) - San Diego City Councilman Chris Cate sent a letter to Gov. Gavin Newsom's office on Monday, asking that comedy clubs in San Diego be allowed to reopen safely.
The letter requests that performances be allowed to reopen in outdoor settings, with shows lasting no longer than an hour.
"We're not talking about concerts here where thousands of people are sitting next to each other," Cate said. "These are performances that are done while folks and individuals are having dinner in a restaurant setting, properly distanced, why should they be treated any differently?"
Earlier this month, some comedy clubs, like The Comedy Palace in Kearney Mesa, moved their comedy shows outdoors, only to find out they were in violation of public health orders and made to stop.
George Salek, co-owner of The Comedy Place, said they have a lot of outdoor space, and people were able to observe social distancing.
"Eighty people is what we're trying to put in 5,000 square feet," he said. "It's really safe."
Cate said San Diego's entertainment industry is an important part of the economy.
"I think anyone who can fit the confines of what we want to have done," Cate said. "If you're all able to comply with all, you should be allowed to reopen absolutely."