Montco officials to ‘strictly enforce’ COVID-19 guidance for bars, restaurants

NORRISTOWN » Pointing out there have been COVID-19 outbreaks associated with bars and restaurants in several states, Montgomery County officials warned they will “strictly enforce” guidance for restaurants that are reopening and will shut down establishments that do not comply with the guidance.

“So far, we have not seen outbreaks associated here in Montgomery County with bars and restaurants and many of our restaurant owners have invested a lot in reopening safely. We want to support these restaurants. We do not want to have to shut down restaurants that are doing everything right because of a few bad actors,” county Commissioners’ Chairwoman Dr. Valerie Arkoosh said at a news briefing this week.

“So with this goal in mind, I have asked our Office of Public Health to strictly enforce all restaurant guidance. We have a process in place to quickly shut down restaurants after our inspectors observe a second incidence of non-compliance. We are instituting this strict enforcement in an effort to support our restaurants and bars that are operating responsibly and to help make sure that we don’t have any outbreaks associated with our restaurants or bars,” Arkoosh added.

The county Office of Public Health drafted guidance for restaurants and bars that are reopening during the green phase of the state’s reopening plan. The county entered the green phase on June 26.

The guidance applies to all restaurants, private event spaces and wedding venues with food service, licensed clubs and bars, regardless of whether the business operates within a larger facility such as a hotel, casino, convention center, conference center or similar large venue.

The guidance to be followed in

cludes:

• 50 percent occupancy of stated fire code maximum occupancy

• For outdoor dining, 24 people per 1,000 square feet and tables six feet apart

• Gatherings of more than 250 prohibited for restaurants within facilities

• All employees must wear masks

• Customers must wear masks unless eating or drinking

• Employees and customers must practice social distancing

• Bar seating may be utilized in compliance with Centers for Disease Control’s social distancing guidelines. Standing in bar area is prohibited

• A maximum of four customers that have a common relationship may sit together at the bar, while adhering to social distancing guidelines or barriers between other customers

Arkoosh urged residents to support local businesses that are following the guidelines.

“In addition to taking your business elsewhere, please feel free to report a restaurant that is not meeting the guidelines,” Arkoosh said.

To report restaurants or bars out of compliance with the governor’s orders and CDC guidelines residents should send an email to COVID19@montcopa.org

“All reports will be kept anonymous but our restaurant inspectors will act on those reports and they’ll go out and take a look and they’ll see if any next steps are warranted,” Arkoosh said.

EVAN BRANDT — MEDIANEWS GROUP Patrons at The Blue Elephant in Pottstown enjoy outdoor dining during Montgomery County’s “green phase.” While most local restaurants are complying with health guidance, Montgomery County officials warn they will crack down on noncompliance to prevent a spike in COVID-19 cases.

SUBMITTED PHOTO King of Prussia Town Center has constructed a special outdoor dining area near Founding Farmers. Limited indoor dining is now available in many area restaurants with safety precautions.