Going Green: How Bars and Restaurants Pass Go in Accordance with the Rules
June 26, 2020 signals the transition of Lehigh, Northampton and Berks County into the “Green” phase of Governor Wolf’s reopening plan. To you bar and restaurant aficionados out there, this is certainly great news. On May 27, 2020, Governor Wolf provided additional guidance to how bars and restaurants will operate during the Green Phase.
The most important things for restaurant and bar owners to be aware of is that, even under the “Green” classification:
- Indoor seating cannot exceed fifty percent (50%) capacity;
- Bar seating may be utilized if customers are seated and comply with physical distancing guideline of at least 6 feet or physical barriers between customers. Standing in a bar area will not be permitted; and
- A maximum of four customers that have a common relationship may sit together at the bar, while adhering to the physical distancing guidelines or barriers between other customers.
These restrictions, while onerous for many owners and patrons, are in effect for every business operating in a county which is in the “Green.” In light of the resurgence of cases located in southern and southwestern parts of the U.S., it is our hope that we can remain in the “Green” phase.
Sadly, the Lehigh Valley said farewell to several local restaurants recently, as they were not able to keep their doors open due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We don’t want to see any more restaurants or bars now fall victim to closure due to violations in this “Green” phase. We are hopeful the region will begin to recover from the deep freeze that the pandemic has placed on many bars and restaurants.
If you have any questions about the transition to the “Green” phase, the attorneys of Gross McGinley, LLP are here to assist you.
