Fact check: Memphis did not ban sales of beer, alcohol or tobacco
The claim: Mayor Jim Strickland is banning the sale of beer, alcohol and tobacco
After a weekend with temperatures in the 70-80s, no rain, and after some Memphis residents disregarding social distancing, Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland announced the city will limit park access.
"Over the last several days ... more and more people have been getting outside. That alone is not a bad thing ... It does become a huge problem when people disregard the importance of social distancing," Strickland said. "Unfortunately some people aren't taking this seriously. For the health of our city, they must start now ... Because of this, effective 8 a.m., March 31, we are limiting park access."
After Strickland's announcement, a fake breaking news article surfaced, with the headline, "No beer alcohol or tobacco sales in Memphis TN starting immediately."
The 26 word post read:
Due to Memphis TN residents not following covid 19 orders Mayor Jim Strickland is banning sales of beer alcohol and tobacco products starting March 31,2020
After a fake breaking news article from Twitter was screenshotted and posted on Facebook, hundreds of people shared it, it resulted in the spread of misinformation.
Coronavirus in Memphis:Latest updates, community response
Our rating: False
The information on the viral post is false. Mayor Jim Strickland did not issue a ban on beer, alcohol or tobacco sales.
Our fact check sources:
- The City of Memphis COVID-19 updates
- City spokesman Dan Springer told the Commercial Appeal the city has not restricted alcohol or tobacco sales.