Going out for a beer? Here’s what you need to know
STEPHANIE IP
If you’re hoping to go for a beer with a friend at your neighbourhood pub, get ready.
On Tuesday, B.C. entered Phase 2 of the provincial government’s Restart Plan, which allows for some businesses and services to return with modifications. Among those are restaurants, cafes and pubs, which were previously ordered closed by provincial health officials unless they could operate under a takeout or delivery model. As B.C. begins easing its COVID-19 restrictions around dining out, there’s still a number of precautions you should keep in mind.
Here’s what you need to know before going for a beer or a meal.
GENERAL
Any restaurant, cafe or pub serving food or drink (including liquor) can’t exceed more than 50 per cent of its usual capacity at any given time.
Establishments are required to post their COVID-19 safety plan, which details their new protocols for cleaning and physical distancing.
One person from each party will also need to leave their contact information with the restaurant for 30 days, in case health officials need to conduct contact tracing. You may see more Plexiglas barriers installed at bars or at payment points. WorkSafeBC is also recommending eateries limit the use of cash and allow customers to tap their own payment cards.
ARRIVAL
Busy restaurant? You may have to wait outside. Dining establishments are being advised to remove any tables or chairs at entryways and to have diners wait outside in a marked lineup. You’ll also see more hand sanitizer being offered at entrances.
Restaurants are also being advised to direct diners to seat themselves using table numbers when possible. This cuts down on the amount of interaction between restaurant staff and patrons.
SEATING
Tables are restricted to a maximum of six people, which means gone are the days of inviting a friend to swing by at the last minute and pull up an extra chair.
All tables will need to be spaced two metres apart so that patrons dining at different tables are able to maintain two metres apart.
If you prefer a seat at the bar, the same rule applies. Patrons at shared bars or counters will be required to keep two metres of separation. If you arrive with another diner, you can still sit together at the bar but you’ll need to keep two metres away from other parties also sitting at the bar.
Restaurants are also advised to remove one seat from each table, to allow room for a server to approach without needing to squeeze between diners.