Posted Thursday, June 4th, 2020
Rules in Place for Restaurants and Employees
Restaurants across Morris County will be allowed to offer outdoor dining starting on Monday, June 15, as part of Phase Two of Gov. Phil Murphy’s COVID-19 recovery plan. It is the same date that in-store retail shopping will be allowed to resume at maximum 50 percent capacity, and for childcare centers to reopen.
However, dining may be quite a different experience than in pre-COVID days, as state Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli, has announced new restaurant guidelines through the state’s Emergency Health Powers Act.
For example, customers must be asked to employ social distancing and wear face coverings when they are away from their tables or when they are in the indoor portion of the restaurant and to adhere to proper hygiene practices in the food establishment. Restaurants also will be asked to decline entry to the indoor portion of the establishment to a customer who is not wearing a face covering, unless the customer has a medical reason or is a child under age two.
Food or beverage establishments offering service at outdoor areas must first obtain required municipal approvals and permits.
They must adhere to the following protocols:
Food and beverage establishments also must have an inclement weather policy that, if triggered, would require them to temporarily revert to takeout or delivery service only.
Read more specific information on outdoor dining, including guidelines for employees.