Restaurants in Massachusetts can expand seating of up to 10 people per table and utilize bar seating starting Monday, Gov. Charlie Baker announced on Wednesday.
An applause echoed throughout Mill City BBQ and Brew in Lowell when Baker announced the new regulations. Baker emphasized that bars and nightclubs will remain closed, though.
The governor also stressed that patrons must be sitting at the bar area.
“No standing around the bar, OK," Baker joked.
The new regulations apply to both indoor and outdoor seating. Tables still must be socially distanced at at least 6 feet.
“We want to help restaurants use their space more effectively,” Baker said. “...The evidence from other states with respect to this issue is clear, restaurants can use bar seating for regular food service with appropriate distance in place.”
Baker applauded the state’s work in reopening industries across the state while also lowering the positive test rate - something other states have failed to accomplish.
The low positive test rate allowed for new regulations to allow the restaurants to expand seating.
“COVID is still with us and until there is a medical breakthrough like a vaccine, we have to do all we can working with our colleagues in the food service business to keep our restaurants and our businesses safe,” Baker said.
Baker said he hoped the new regulations would also trickle down to help other small retail shops that neighbor restaurants.
Massachusetts guidelines previously limited tables to no more than six people. Baker didn’t mention any changes regarding overall capacity at restaurants.
Indoor gatherings are capped at 25 people and should not exceed more than eight people per 1,000 square feet.
The limit on outdoor gatherings is limited 50 people. Outdoor gatherings should not exceed 25% of the permitted occupancy of the facility or space documented on the occupancy permit on record. When no occupancy limitation exists, the order says, there should be no more than eight people per 1,000 square feet.
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