NEW JERSEY – New protocols on indoor and outdoor dining were issued by the Department of Health in accordance with the governor’s executive order.
These rules began as of November 12:
- • Restaurants must limit inside seating to 25% of capacity. Employees don’t count toward that total.
- • All restaurants and bars must close by 10 p.m. and cannot open until at least 5 a.m. the next day. Outdoor, take-out, and delivery services can continue past 10 p.m.
- • No bar seating.
- • Standing in the bar area is prohibited.
- • Table seating must be at least six feet away from the bar.
- • Customers at tables must be six feet apart from any other customers at tables.
- • Physical barriers between five and six feet high can be between tables if distancing is not possible. These barriers shouldn’t block fire sprinklers or emergency exits.
- • No more than eight people can dine together at one time.
“The Department has revised its guidance to establish additional precautionary measures to protect the health of both customers and staff,” said New Jersey Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli. “The guidance also provides flexibility for restaurants to continue to offer outdoor dining opportunities.”
