HARRISBURG, Pa. Restaurants will be able to reopen their doors to indoor dining on Monday 4 January. The insider capacity, however, depends on whether the institution is self-certified or not.
Dennis Davin, secretary of the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED), reminded restaurants that they can open with a 50 percent capacity from 8 a.m. Monday, once they complete the online certification process.
“Self-certification is a simple way to promote the company’s commitment to the health and safety of its protectors,” said Sec. Davin. “As we enter a new year with a vaccine to help reduce COVID-19, the Wolf administration is hopeful and looks forward to supporting restaurants as much as possible to get back on track as usual. come.”
According to officials, the self-certification process is open to all restaurants, private social clubs and food service businesses that serve meals and put food in a regular capacity.
Social distancing, masking, and other mitigation measures must still be used to protect workers and patrons.
Officials say municipalities that have implemented more restrictive mitigation efforts remain in place.
In addition, from Monday, restaurants, private social clubs and food service businesses must serve alcohol for on-site consumption, alcohol sales will end at 11pm and all alcoholic beverages must be removed by midnight.
Consumption on the premises is prohibited unless it is part of a meal; cocktails to take drinks are allowed, according to officials.
The occurrence of regular scheduled or complaint-based inspections of enforcement agencies will not be affected by the certification status; in fact, proves that a business is committed to protecting employees and providing a safe dining experience to customers.
The Wolf Administration has introduced Frequently Asked Questions as a reference for restaurant owners and the public, along with updated restaurant management.
Business owners with additional questions about the self-certification program can contact [email protected].