Are you looking for information on New York Outdoor Dining Regulations? Outdoor dining is a privilege that not everyone has, especially during a time like this where many restaurants are mainly prioritizing take out and delivery orders.

 

However, New York has taken a progressive step forward by allowing restaurants and home establishments to be reopened. This doesn’t mean that you can freely eat everywhere, though!

 

With this comes a series of regulations that the public has to keep in mind if they want to maintain the safety of everyone around them. These regulations on outdoor dining have many guidelines that restaurants and bars alike have to follow. The guidelines emphasize maintaining social distancing in every aspect and the use of protective gear such as masks for the service crew.

 

From regular health protocols to curbside dining, what are the regulations and changes that you have to keep in mind if you want to dine outside or reopen your establishment?

 

Mask On or Mask Off?

 

The employees are to wear masks at ALL times. Some restaurants are encouraged to take even precautions by using face shields as well to make sure that the customers feel as safe as possible. The staff in the kitchen and bartenders inside bars are also highly encouraged to wear masks.

 

Customers are required to wear masks while inside the premises. Once the customers are inside, employees of said establishments are needed to encourage them to keep their mask on when not eating or drinking. It’s not required nor should the patrons force the customers to wear them, however, it’s to make sure that everyone is safe and COVID free.

 

Mandatory Health Screenings

 

Since workers are going to be exposed to a plethora of customers daily, the possibility of them having COVID-19 is high. Because of this, workers should have daily screening to ensure that they haven’t had symptoms recently that may be connected to COVID-19.

 

Screening can be done via the telephone or online for the sake of accessibility. Employees can also conduct temperature screening, but they are NOT allowed to keep the data. Restaurants and bars can even ask customers to conduct a screening, but it’s not mandatory. The restaurant can also request personal information for contact tracing purposes.

 

Restrictions For Parties And Communal Tables

 

Dining outside in a single table is allowed provided that the group of people doesn’t exceed ten. Communal tables, however, are prohibited unless it’s possible to maintain six feet of distance per person. These restrictions may prove to be annoying for families that want to dine out, but this is ultimately to keep safe in check.

 

Ordering in Advance

 

Ordering in advance is highly encouraged for people who want to dine out. Most restaurants have hotlines and would be glad to serve up a meal in advance for families or people who want to dine out but not spend too much time in the restaurant. Cutting time spent or minimizing time spent inside the establishment is safer and more efficient.

 

Single-Use Items

 

Single-use containers will be used on condiments such as ketchup and hot sauce so that you can regularly clean them in between party’s use. This is to ensure the health and safety of the patrons. Menus should also either be single-use and disposable or on a chalkboard that can be regularly cleaned and disinfected.

 

Curbside Dining

 

Restaurants and bars can now utilize the parking spaces and the roadbed beside the curb to use for dine-in services. This allows operators to maintain social distancing from the customers while serving them properly at the same time. The more space available, the better.

 

Staff Meals and Breaks

 

Sharing food among staff members is highly discouraged. May it be food or drinks, staff members are encouraged to bring their meals from home. The staff must also observe social distancing during their meals and breaks. The safety and health of the team will ensure the safety and health of the customers since they regularly interact with them.

 

Bartenders and Outside Bars

 

With restaurants reaming operations, outside bars are now allowed to operate as well. With this, bartenders must serve customers while observing social distancing.

 

Additionally, services in the bars must also allow employees to stay six feet away from each other. Drinks must also be consumed on tabletops. However, the guidelines don’t explicitly state that the use of a chair is a must.

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