According to Massachusetts COVID-19 regulations, more people can now share a table in restaurants and bar seating is allowed for food service. Charlie Baker stressed that bars in the state will remain closed but said the space can be used for restaurants as long as the other restaurant safety guidelines are followed. According to Massachusetts rules, customers who order drinks must also order food. “Bars are closed. Nightclubs are closed. However, the evidence from other states regarding this issue is clear. Restaurants can use bar seating at a reasonable distance for regular food service,” Baker said. Baker said the limit on the number of customers who can share a table in restaurants and indoor or outdoor events will be increased from six to ten. However, Boston Mayor Marty Walsh said the city will not attend all events. “State changes to restaurant rules due to a recent surge in COVID-19 cases. Walsh said Boston will conform to the state by allowing customers to dine in bar areas but won’t increase the maximum number of customers per table beyond the current limit of six. “This is in line with the cautious approach we have taken. All along reopened, this is a response to the conditions here in Boston – higher density, less space near restaurants and the COVID data that we are monitoring very closely, “said Walsh. Worcester, Framingham and Cambridge, however, decide to make the changes – citing concerns about it the case numbers in these communities The new seating guidelines apply to both indoor and outdoor meals.
BOSTON –
According to Massachusetts COVID-19 regulations, more people can now share a table in restaurants, and bar seating is allowed for food service.
Governor Charlie Baker stressed that bars in the state would remain closed, but said the space could be used for restaurants as long as the other restaurant safety guidelines were followed. According to Massachusetts rules, customers who order drinks must also order groceries.
“Bars are closed. Nightclubs are closed. But the evidence from other states regarding this issue is clear. Restaurants can use bar seating at a reasonable distance for regular catering,” Baker said.
Baker said the limit on the number of customers who can share a table in restaurants and indoor or outdoor events will be increased from six to ten.
However, Boston Mayor Marty Walsh said the city will not participate in all state changes to restaurant rules due to the recent surge in COVID-19 cases.
Walsh said Boston will go with the state by allowing customers to dine in bar areas, but will not increase the maximum number of customers per table beyond the current limit of six.
“This is in line with the cautious approach we’ve always taken to reopening, and in response to local conditions here in Boston – higher density, less space near restaurants, and the COVID data we have watch very closely, “said Walsh.
Worcester, Framingham and Cambridge oppose the changes, citing concerns about the number of cases in these communities.
The new seating guidelines apply to both indoor and outdoor meals.
