Limits on dining to ease by Easter
With COVID-19 cases dropping across the state and the number of people receiving vaccinations increases, Pennsylvania is set to ease some restrictions on restaurants and other businesses.
Gov. Tom Wolf announced the move in a statement released Monday.
“Pennsylvanians have stepped up and done their part to help curb the
spread of COVID-19,” Wolf said in the statement. “Our case counts continue to go down, hospitalizations are declining and the percent positivity rate gets lower every week — all very positive signs.
“The number of people getting vaccinated increases daily, and we are seeing light at the end of the tunnel. It’s time to allow our restaurants, bars and other service businesses to get back to more normal operations.”
The rollback of restrictions will begin April 4. The changes include:
• Restaurants will be allowed to re
sume bar service.
• Alcohol can be served without a customer ordering food.
• The curfew for removing alcoholic drinks from tables will be lifted.
• Indoor dining capacity will be raised to 75% for those that self-certify by agreeing to strictly comply with health and safety guidelines like cleaning protocols.
• Restaurants that don’t self-certify can increase their capacity to 50%.
Requirements such as mask wearing and social distancing, including leaving six feet between tables, will still be in effect.
Along with restaurants, some other types of businesses will also see some restrictions lifted April 4.
Personal service facilities, gyms and entertainment venues like casinos, theaters and malls can increase their capacity to 75%.
The capacity for indoor events will be increased to 25% of maximum occupancy, and outdoor events can raise their capacity to 50%. Both increases are dependent on venues being able to provide six feet of physical distancing for workers and attendees.
Wolf said that despite to easing of restrictions, Pennsylvanians must continue efforts to fight COVID-19.
“We’ve come so far and now is not the time to stop the safety measures we have in place to protect ourselves, our families and our communities,” he said. “Keep wearing a mask, social distancing and, please, get vaccinated when it’s your turn.”
A welcome change
News that the governor would be easing restrictions that have made life extremely difficult for bars and restaurants was very much welcomed by those who run local establishments.
“We are very excited,” said Geroge Zeppos, who owns Mazi, Willoughby’s On Park and The Hitching Post. “We’re really excited to do what we love doing, and that’s serving our community.”
Zeppos said removing some of the limits on alcohol service will make a big impact on his restaurants. Alcohol is a big financial boon for restaurants, and having people back sitting at the bar improves the vibe and energy, he said.
“No one likes going to an amusement park when all the rides are closed,” he said. “That’s how I look at it, the rides are open again.”
Being able to increase indoor dining capacity will also be a major benefit, Zeppos said, providing better economic opportunity for staff.
“I’m really excited for the staff, for them getting back into the game,” he said. “Overall, I’m hoping that we’re almost there that we can really get this going again.”
Holly Becker, marketing director at Stokesay Castle & The Knight’s Pub, likewise saw Monday’s announcement as a muchneeded sigh of relief.
“We are very excited to be able to open up our bar and invite more customers in,” she said. “With nicer weather and sunshine, this is the perfect time to loosen restrictions.
“We are already opening our windows so guests are able to enjoy the open-air atmosphere that we offer. With higher guest counts, our guests will be able to feel safe while enjoying drinks and dining with us within our open windows and doors.”
Becker said the loosening of restrictions will also allow for the reintroduction of live music at the establishment’s Lord’s Martini Bar, which has been closed for months.
While still not back to prepandemic status, the changes are a step toward normalcy. And that’s something Becker said she’s been longing for.
“It has been a tough year, but with the support of our regular guests we have been able to make it through all of the turbulence,” she said. “We cannot wait for this next chapter. It feels like a breath of fresh air.”