September 14, 2020
The Department of Health has released interim guidelines for when indoor dining returns on September 30, 2020. These guidelines include, but are not limited to the following:
- A maximum of 25% normal capacity
- A maximum of 10 people per party
- Face coverings are to be worn at all times , except while seated
- Six (6) foot distance is maintained between parties in all directions
- Bar seating is prohibited
- All service must cease at midnight (12:00 AM) local time and cannot resume until 5:00 AM.
Although indoor dining is returning, bar service is still prohibited; and all alcoholic beverages must be served to the table. To read the indoor guidelines in full detail, click here.
This interim guidance is subject to change as public health officials assess its impact, including any changes in transmission of COVID-19, and monitor compliance of owners/operators. Additionally, these guidelines as they pertain to indoor occupancy restrictions will be reassessed by no later than November
1, 2020 in contemplation of an increase from 25% to 50% capacity so long as the rate of COVID-19 transmission has not increased.
For any outdoor and take-out/delivery food service, businesses must follow the guidance outlined in the New York State Department of Health’s (DOH) “Interim Guidance for Outdoor and Take-Out/Delivery Food Services During the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency.”
These guidelines are minimum requirements only and any owner/operator is free to provide additional precautions or increased restrictions. These guidelines are based on the best-known public health practices at the time of publication, and the documentation upon which these guidelines are based can
and does change frequently.
