Event Venue In Southington Impacted By Governor's Executive Order

SOUTHINGTON, CT — An executive order signed by Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont Thursday, prohibiting all events in the state with over 250 people due to the coronavirus pandemic, is already beginning to have an effect on the Nutmeg State's busiest privately-owned event venue.

The Aqua Turf Club in Plantsville, site of more than 600 banquets, weddings and gatherings a year, has already begun to feel the pinch of Lamont's order.On Friday, the phones at the sprawling Mulberry Street business were ringing steadily as clients began calling to cancel or reschedule long-planned gatherings.

"We've had limited cancellations; about 95 percent of the calls have been people looking to reschedule," manager Bobby Thompson said.

With so many functions taking place at the club each year, bookings are normally made at least a year in advance, making open dates somewhat scarce.

"Everyone has been understanding when it comes to rescheduling, and they are flexible on dates," Thompson said.

He added that, despite the hiatus many school systems have taken over the next several weeks, "no proms or weddings have been affected at this time."