Coronavirus pandemic: Singer Dierks Bentley pledges $90k for employees as his Nashville bar shuts down
American country music singer and songwriter Dierks Bentley is shutting down Whiskey Row, his famed bar in Nashville, but has promised to pay it forward, or rather, pay it directly (specifically $90k) into the hands of his hourly staff members. The announcement comes in light of the COVID-19 pandemic as Bentley said on March 16 that he is closing the bar which lies in the heart of Nashville on Lower Broadway for a while. "Feels like yesterday that it was me down there working for tips" he said.
As coronavirus spreads, numerous cities have been mandated to shut down their bars, restaurants and event venues in order to minimize large gatherings and mitigate its effects. However, the news about Whiskey Row comes a few hours after the Trump administration announced a guideline stating that there should be no gatherings of more than ten people, and that the city of San Francisco will be shut down for the next 3 weeks.
The 'Settle for a Slowdown' singer shared that his heart goes out to everyone who is affected by the deadly disease. The country superstar also couldn't let his employees leave their workplace without making sure they are financially provided for during the pause of Whiskey Row. According to TMZ, Bentley said he immediately gave each one of his ninety hourly employees $1,000 to help in the short run as our community and country tries to get a handle on the situation.
Bentley also urged all bar owners to act similarly and take care of their employees "the best they can", referring to bar-backs, bartenders, waitresses, security guards, dishwashers, and among others. Bentley concluded by saying "Lower Broadway is the heartbeat of Nashville. Let's make sure we help the folks that help make the music happen".
Dierks Bentley has amassed fame in the U.S as a long-standing and highly successful artist since releasing his eponymous debut studio album in 2003. Both 'Dierks Bentley' and its follow-up LP 'Modern Day Drifter', which released in 2005, are certified platinum in the U.S. According to Hot Country 93.1, Bentley is also a spokesperson of '5-Hour Energy', who initially partnered with them on his '2018 Mountain High Tour', and appeared in a national advertising campaign for the brand.
