LACONIA, N.H. — Some bars and pubs are making last-minute decisions to close ahead of Laconia Motorcycle Week. State officials released warnings about new COVID-19 rules and restrictions that all employees and customers must follow.

A letter sent to area bars and restaurants by the state Liquor Commission earlier this month informed them that actions like mingling around the bar and visiting tables of friends would be prohibited. Violators were also warned that they could face fines, or potentially, even lose their liquor license.

Some businesses are choosing not to take chances, but that means missing out on what is typically their most profitable week of the year.

“We are taking a big chunk of what would be our yearly earnings off the table because of this decision,” Owner of the Witches Brew Pub Keith O’Leary said.

The Craft Beer Xchange, home of the Witches Brew Pub, just opened on Aug 1. This week, the owners decided to close until Sept. 2 after the governor announced updated guidelines that will come with strict enforcement.

“It was just impossible for a small business like ourselves to try to be able to manage what was being asked of us,” O’Leary said.

The Laconia Broken Spoke, known as one of the most popular biker bars in the area, has also temporarily closed.

A post on the business’ website stated in part, “As much as we regret not being part of the Laconia Motorcycle Rally, we feel the safety of our patrons and compliance with the regulations is of utmost important.”

Owner of the Looney Bin Bar and Grill Michelle Watson said they will give it a shot but will not hesitate to close if things get out of hand.

“If people become a problem, I refuse to put my staff in a bad position,” Watson said. “They don’t like the rules, but they have to enforce them, and I refuse to have anybody treat them poorly. And if that happens, we’ll just shut down for the rest of the week and resume after.”

The event is set to begin on Saturday.