Here’s What Restaurants Need to Know About the Resumption of Indoor Dining

On Sep 1, 2020

Gov. Phil Murphy signed Executive Order No. 183, which establishes rules for the resumption of indoor dining on Friday, Sept. 4 at 6:00 a.m., provided businesses comply with the health and safety standards issued by the Department of Health.

Under the Department of Health’s Health and Safety Standards, food or beverage establishments offering in-person service must adhere to the following protocols, among others:

1. Limit the number of patrons in indoor areas to 25 percent of the food or beverage establishment’s indoor capacity, excluding the food or beverage establishment’s employees;
2. Limit seating to a maximum of eight (8) customers per table (unless they are from a family from the same household) and arrange seating to achieve a minimum distance of six feet (6 ft) between parties;
3. Require customers to only consume food or beverages while seated;
4. Require patrons to wear face coverings while inside the indoor premises of the food or beverage establishment, except when eating or drinking at their table;
5. Food or beverage establishments with table service must require that customers be seated in order to place orders;
6. Food or beverage establishments with table service must require that wait staff bring food or beverages to seated customers; and
7. Keep doors and windows open where possible and utilize fans to improve ventilation.

The Governor’s Executive Order includes requirements for theaters and indoor performance venues to reopen to the public on Friday, Sept. 4, which include:

1. Any particular showing is limited to 25 percent capacity with a maximum of 150 people;
2. Groups that buy tickets together can sit together, but must be at least 6 feet apart from all other groups; and
3. Individuals must wear masks, unless they are removing them to eat or drink concessions.

For a copy of Executive Order No. 183, please click here.

For a copy of the Department of Health Executive Directive, please click here.

For a copy of the Department of Health’s Health and Safety Standards for Indoor Dining in Restaurants, please click here.

To access more business news, visit NJB News Now.

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