Governor Announces Outdoor Dining to be Permitted in Phase 2
The New York State Restaurant Association has worked tirelessly over the past few weeks to gain approval for outdoor dining in Phase 2. We held numerous calls with the Governor’s staff, leadership of NY Forward, and provided member data to help make the case that restaurants could safely provide service outdoors immediately.
We are thrilled to announce that the State has listened to us, and Governor Cuomo announced this afternoon that all areas that are in phase 2 of reopening will be able to begin outdoor dining service tomorrow. That means that restaurants in the seven regions that have already entered phase two - the Capital Region, Central New York, the Finger Lakes, the Mohawk Valley, the North Country, the Southern Tier and Western New York, can open up outdoor dining for customers tomorrow.
This is great news for restaurants across the State and will be a huge lift to the entire industry.
“The New York State Restaurant Association is grateful that the state has decided to allow outdoor dining in Phase Two. Governor Cuomo, his team and the Regional Control Rooms understand that the restaurant industry in New York is on the brink of collapse and this lifeline will undoubtedly be a huge help. We’re also promising to hold up our end of the bargain. NYSRA, our members and all restaurants in the state will follow stringent sanitation practices and social distancing to make our patrons feel comfortable and keep our diners and employees safe.”
Outdoor tables must be spaced six feet apart, all staff must wear face coverings, and customers must also wear face coverings when not seated.
Restaurants who wish to open up their outdoor spaces can find additional guidance as well as affirm that they have read through and understand the regulations
here
. You must affirm that you have read these plans in order to reopen
. Additionally, all restaurants must have a plan in place for how to incorporate these regulations into their plan for outdoor dining.
To help restaurants prepare to offer outdoor dining, NYSRA is hosting a webinar tomorrow, June 4, at 9:00 a.m.,
Outdoor Dining in Phase Two | What Restaurants Need to Know.
Register Here
.
