Checking in here from NJ as someone coming in 2 weeks (I promise to be respectful, we saw/see this first hand!). There are really easy ways to have alcohol in a safe manner and I don't think that shutting down commercial sales of alcohol is anything more than a bandaid. There needs to be accountability from each business and firm punishments for those who endanger others.

A local brewery set up an 18 table outdoor setting on their front lawn. Each table is centered in the middle of a 12' ring, and the edges of the tables are minimum 6' from each other. You can only take your mask off if you're in your circle, ordering is online only and contactless pickup.

It's honestly so easy to implement these changes in 2020 with technology at our fingertips. If the system is failing, I don't think it's fair to blame tourists, I think you need to look at the businesses and put accountability on them.

When we come down we're in a cabin about 30 minutes north of downtown that's pretty isolated looking. We're going to keep to ourselves and hike in your beautiful mountains, bring masks, bring sanitizer, and treat Asheville as if we were in an NJ business (masks on, 6' apart) and only do takeout.

I am only following this sub-Reddit to keep attention to big things relating to our trip, but I felt the need to comment on this because what it sounds like is a bigger issue of your leadership rather than tourists.