Information: Important Indoor Dining Requirements

Indoor dining will begin on September 30th at a 25% occupancy, and is subject to further restrictions which you should read below.

Last week, Governor Cuomo announced a return to indoor dining in the five boroughs, which the NYC Hospitality Alliance has been advocating for. While reduced occupancy indoor dining will not save our industry and significant ongoing support from all levels of government will be needed, this is an important start.

Indoor dining will begin on September 30^th at a 25% occupancy, and is subject to further restrictions which you should read below.

Interim Guidance For New York City Indoor Food Services During The COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (on the last page of this document you must affirm that you will operate in accordance with the requirements)

NY Forward Safety Plan Template

Governor Cuomo has stated that compliance and the City's COVID-19 infection rate will be two major factors in determining if occupancy can be increased to 50% by November 1^st. We are reviewing the guidelines as we understand you may have questions and comments related to certain sections, such as air filtration systems, etc. While we strongly advise you to review these documents to understand the full guidance, please see a few highlights:

OCCUPANCY CALCULATION

To determine your maximum occupancy, you will use 25% of your Certificate of Occupancy or Letter of No Objection occupancy number. You do NOT have to include employees in that 25% patron number. (However, if employees are having a meal in the public dining area, then at that time they count towards the 25%, if employees are in a non-public area, they do not count towards the occupancy maximum.)

CLOSING TIME

All service of food and beverages must end at midnight, 7 days a week. However, patrons are allowed an additional 30 minutes, to 12:30 am, to finish consumption of their meal. Then the establishment must close.

BARS INSIDE ESTABLISHMENTS

All physical patron bars must be converted to service bars only. That means no seats at bars and patrons cannot directly order a drink at the bar or be served a drink at the bar. All service is at seated tables.

TABLE SPACING

Tables are to be spaced 6 feet apart. However, when that is not feasible, they can be closer if approved barriers are placed between the tables.

NO FACE MASK, NO ENTRY

Cannot allow patrons to enter the establishment, go to or from the bathroom, stand inside for takeout, if they are not wearing a face covering.

HVAC

We are seeking further clarification on the air filtration section of this guidance, particularly the need for a professional to certify your system on such short notice.

We expect to receive a high volume of inquiries from members and will respond as soon as we're able, nonetheless we recommend you contact the State of New York at: nycnyf@esd.ny.gov

Thank you for your support of the NYC Hospitality Alliance and commitment to safely reopening our industry. It will be a long road to recovery, but we are committed to fighting non-stop for the future of our industry.