Restaurants and bars have been hard-hit by the coronavirus pandemic and the impact has been “catastrophic,” Barclay said.

“Unfortunately, the governor’s arbitrary restrictions and curfews are simply making things worse,” Barclay said.

Curfews have been lifted against other businesses in the state, such as pool halls, bowling alleys, casinos and fitness centers.

Extension of the curfew by one hour for restaurants and bars was announced by Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Wednesday.

“Although we welcome that change, we don’t think it’s enough,” Barclay said. “It’s sort of a half-measure that doesn’t get us where we need to be.”

Restaurants and bars have not been identified as responsible for widespread transmission of the virus, with 1.43% of cases traced back to those businesses, Barclay said.

“It’s time to end this arbitrary curfew and it’s time to let restaurants and bars get back to business in New York state,” Barclay said.

Assemblyman Christopher Friend, R-Big Flats, agreed, saying the virus does not spread more easily after midnight than earlier in the day.

“That makes no sense. Why are we doing this?” Friend said.

The governor’s extension of the curfew takes effect April 19.

Albany restaurant owner Tess Collins said the restrictions are making it more difficult to keep her doors open.

Mike McElwee, who owns several establishments in Bay Shore, Long Island, said COVID has made operating a business more difficult on a number of levels.

“With the curfew, we have lost 40% of our business and it was already costing us more to run our business as it is. We had to have extra security to make sure we didn’t go over occupancy, we had to have masks, we needed social distancing, we had to pay employees more because they were making less in tips,” McElwee said. “We are really at a point where we are just losing money.”

The curfew extension helps, but McElwee also said it is not enough.

“The 12 o’clock is great, but there is no difference between 12 and 2 or 4, and if bowling alleys are allowed to be open and the casinos are allowed to be open, why can’t the bars and restaurants be open?” McElwee said.

The governor’s extension of the curfew takes effect April 19.