Closing time will no longer be a COVID curfew come mid-May Western New York restaurant and bar owners are pleased, but they remain cautious after the midnight curfew was lifted. Author: Ron Plants Updated: 8:49 PM EDT April 28, 2021 BUFFALO, N.Y. — As we get closer to summer and more places are reopening here in Western New York, there's a better chance now that you'll be able to enjoy a meal at your favorite bar or restaurant with fewer restrictions. The state announced Wednesday that its midnight curfew for bars and restaurants will go away next month, while state lawmakers also rolled back the mandate that you have to purchase food if you want to buy alcohol.