Restaurants in New York Set to Bring Back Indoor Dining on Sept. 30

The city of New York will allow indoor dining to resume by the end of September, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced.

Marking its long-awaited return, New Yorkers will be able to dine indoors starting on Sept. 30 at 25 percent capacity. Patrons will have to abide by social distancing measures and have their temperatures taken at the door. Restaurants will also record contact information for at least one person in each party for contact tracing purposes.

There will be no bar service and dining will only be allowed at tables.

"This is good news and the right step forward, especially for restaurant owners and staff who have been struggling through this time,” Cuomo said in a statement. “But it is up to all of us to ensure compliance and the health and safety of those around us."

In addition, diners will be required to wear masks when not seated at the table and tables must be placed six feet apart. Restaurants are also required to close at midnight. Cuomo said the city will deploy 400 enforcement personnel to ensure compliance.

While New York City has moved through the state’s reopening phases, Cuomo had previously postponed the resumption of indoor dining, citing fear over increases in case counts in other states and the “slipping” of social distancing measures and mask-wearing. Instead, he and Mayor Bill de Blasio promoted outdoor dining, which saw many sidewalks and even roadways transform into social spaces for enjoying a meal with friends and family.

The resumption of indoor dining follows last month’s reopening of indoor museums and gyms in the city.

Source: Travel & Leisure