Massachusetts updates certain restaurant requirements
New Restaurant Standards go into effect on Monday September 28:
including increased table size, bar seating and reusable menus in new regulation announced today.
Table size will increase from 6 to 10 guests per table
Bar seating
- Bar seating is permitted provided that either:
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There are no active work areas or working staff behind the bar at least 6 ft away; or
- There is a physical barrier (e.g. Plexiglas) separating customers from the bar space that is at least 30 inches high and a gap/opening at the bottom of the barrier is allowed for food and drink service as long as the gap/opening is no more than 8 inches high
- In addition, parties must be seated at bars (no standing customer service) and parties must be spaced at least 6 ft from other parties
- Subject to any applicable building and fire code requirements, bar areas may be reconfigured to accommodate table seating that complies with all spacing and other requirements in these COVID-19 safety standards. Tables must not be placed within 6 feet of the staffed bartending area.
- All customers must be seated; eat-in service to standing customers (e.g., around bar areas) is prohibited
Pool Tables other recreation amenities
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Recreation amenities which are allowed to open in Step 1 of Phase III (such as arcade games) may be open if adhering to all safety protocols in the Arcades & Other Indoor & Outdoor Game & Recreation Businesses including the requirement that active use of pool tables and other games involving patrons not seated at tables is not permitted in areas where food service is provided.
Menus
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Menus must be one of the following: 1) paper, single-use menus disposed after each use, 2) displayed menu (e.g., digital, whiteboard, chalkboard), 3) electronic menus viewed on customers’ phones / mobile devices, or 4) laminated reusable menus sanitized between each use.
Complete Guidance