BOWERS, Del.- There may not be bartenders slinging drinks at the Bayview Inn Tavern, but the business is still serving customers.

What's the big difference? Owner Earl Taylor says the dive bar is operating as a general store offering essentials like milk, eggs, and toilet paper at a location that's much closer to home for Town of Bowers residents.

"I figured I'll help them out so they don't have to go to the main towns and just try to keep them back here a little bit," he said.

Taylor said the move was meant to help Bowers residents during the COVID-19 pandemic by allowing them to pick up smaller orders of groceries or other items without traveling to supermarkets or larger grocery stores that might be crowded. He also offers takeout food orders from the tavern's kitchen.

The CDC has recommended people employ social distancing to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and people are urged to avoid crowds and large gatherings.

Some states have taken measures to restrict the number of people in businesses, including Delaware. Gov. John Carney (D) has issued additional requirements on how many people businesses can allow inside their businesses and has already closed non-essential operations.

If some locals can reduce their risk of catching the coronavirus, Taylor said temporarily changing the Bayview's business model is the right thing to do--especially because the tavern is barred from operating under the ongoing state of emergency.

"Little places need that right now. They need all the help they can get."