Coronavirus update 6/1/20
Governor Baker issues new Executive Order which, in part, details the process for reopening establishments for on-premises consumption
- When the Governor declares that the Commonwealth has entered Phase II of its reopening plan all licensees for on-premises consumption of alcohol may commence outdoor table service only. (Expected to be issued after COVID data is collected through June 6th).
- Indoor service will remain prohibited until further order from the Governor. (to be issued within Phase 2)
The Governor’s Order also grants the local licensing authorities (“LLA”) the authority to expand alcohol licensees’ licensed premises for outdoor seating in an expedited process.
- On application from a licensee that serves alcohol for on-premises consumption the LLA may alter the description of the licensee’s licensed premises to expand for outdoor seating that the LLA deems “reasonable and proper.”
- The LLA does not need to provide advance notice to abutters or hold a public hearing on the application.
- The amended license may be issued immediately by the LLA
- All expanded premises approved are only effective through November 1, 2020 and revert to their original licensed premises on that date.
Summary of different food and beverage business found within the order
Phase 2:
- Restaurants and others providing seated food service prepared on site and under retail food permits issued by municipal authorities pursuant to 105 CMR 590 (the Massachusetts Food Code)
- Hotels, motels, inns, and other short-term lodging (no events, functions or meetings)
Phase 3:
- Casino gaming floors
- Weddings/events gatherings in parks, reservations and open spaces with allowance for moderate capacity
- Indoor recreational facilities: batting cages, bowling alleys, driving ranges, go carts, arcades, roller skating, trampoline parks, etc
Phase 4:
- Bars, dance clubs and nightclubs, venues offering entertainment, beverages and dancing not providing seated food service.
- Beer gardens, breweries, distilleries, wineries not providing seated food service.
The Governor's complete order can be found
here
PPP Fixes - Getting Closer
The Senate could act on much needed changes as soon as tomorrow. However, because of the procedural rules in the Senate, if a single Senator objects, all Senators will then have to spend days debating it before a roll call vote is allowed.
