Covid-19 Restaurant Rules and Restrictions: a State-By-State Reopening Guide

Here's a current list of regulations broken down by state. Updates on Fridays.

January 21, 2022, 09:16 PM UTC

Covid-19 Restaurant Rules and Restrictions: a State-By-State Reopening Guide

It’s hard to keep track of anything lately, and statewide dining restrictions for restaurants due to the COVID-19 pandemic are at the top of that list. Due to recent surges in cases of the novel coronavirus nationwide, many states have reinstated restaurant rules they'd previously rolled back during reopening earlier this year. As the new variant surges, COVID-19 cases are expected to climb, so restaurants may face more closures or restrictions on opening in the coming months.

To help restaurants across the country find up-to-date information on whether they're allowed to open during the coronavirus pandemic, we've compiled this 50-state index of COVID-19 restaurant & bar rules. We'll be updating this story weekly on Fridays with relevant adjustments to each state's restaurant restrictions.

Pro tip: Use Control+F (Windows) or Command+F (Mac) to quickly locate your state's guidelines!

ALABAMA

Restaurants (Indoor + Outdoor Dining): OPEN at 100%
Bars + Breweries: OPEN at 100%

According to Alabama Public Health, patrons are encouraged to adhere to social distancing guidelines in bar areas. A state-wide mask mandate remains in effect.

ALASKA

Restaurants (Indoor + Outdoor Dining): 100% open, with restrictions
Bars (Indoor + Outdoor): 100% open, with restrictions.

Bars and restaurants may resume full operations. Face coverings and reservations are encouraged; however, walk-ins are permitted.

ARIZONA

Restaurants: OPEN at 100%, with restrictions
Bars: OPEN at 100%, with restrictions

According to Arizona Department of Health Services, restaurants can open without capacity restrictions however are still required to keep individuals or groups at least 6 feet from one another. Individuals are required to wear a mask and practice social distancing inside restaurants, regardless of vaccination status.

ARKANSAS

Restaurants (Indoor + Outdoor Dining): OPEN at 100%
Bars within restaurants: OPEN at 100%
Freestanding Bars + Clubs: OPEN at 100

As of March, Gov. Hutchinson announced all capacity restrictions are lifted at restaurants; however, the max mandate is still in place.

CALIFORNIA

Restaurants (Indoor Dining): OPEN at 100% capacity, with restrictions
Restaurants (Outdoor Dining): OPEN at 100%, with restrictions
Outdoor Wineries + Tasting Rooms: OPEN at 100%, with restrictions
Bars, Breweries + Pubs (that don’t offer sit-down dining): OPEN at 100%, with restrictions

As of August 20, San Francisco will require proof of vaccination for indoor dining. The City of Los Angeles’ requires proof of vaccine mandates for bars, restaurants, and other indoor spaces (like gyms, coffee shops, salons, movie theaters, museums, and performance venues); as of Nov. 4, all employees and customers must be fully vaccinated.

COLORADO

Restaurants (Indoor Dining): OPEN at 100%
Restaurants (Outdoor Dining): OPEN at 100%, with restrictions
Bars + Breweries + Distilleries + Clubs (that do not serve food from a licensed retail food establishment): OPEN at 100%

According to the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment, Colorado remains at Level Blue COVID-19 restrictions which allow restaurants to operate to 100%. However, individuals 12 and up who are not fully vaccinated must wear a mask indoors in certain settings. Everyone, regardless of vaccination status, is required to wear a mask when using public transportation.

As of Nov. 23 2022, Denver Mayor Michael Hancock announced that businesses must either implement a mask mandate for indoor public spaces or require proof of vaccination.

CONNECTICUT

Restaurants (Indoor Dining): OPEN at 100%
Bars: OPEN at 100%

As of May 19, restaurants can now stay open until midnight; restaurants and bars can serve alcohol outside without serving food. There are no table size limits. Indoor diners are still required to wear masks. Effective until September 30, the state's governor requires unvaccinated individuals to wear a mask in indoor public spaces. State employees must be vaccinated on or before Sept. 27.

DELAWARE

Restaurants (Indoor Dining): OPEN with a 100%, with restrictions
Restaurants (Outdoor Dining): OPEN at 100%, with restrictions
Bars (Indoor): OPEN 100%, with restrictions
Bars (Outdoor): OPEN at 100%, with restrictions

According to Delaware Health and Social Services, businesses may operate at full capacity; while it is not required, it is still encouraged to wear face coverings when in indoor public places. Face coverings are required, regardless of vaccination status, when taking public transportation or entering healthcare facilities. Individuals from different households are recommended to stay 3 feet apart from one another. Public indoor social gatherings that exceed 250 people require permission from the health department.

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA (D.C.)

Restaurants (Indoor Dining): OPEN with a 100%, with restrictions
Restaurants (Outdoor Dining): OPEN at 100%, with restrictions
Bars (Indoor): OPEN 100%, with restrictions
Bars (Outdoor): OPEN at 100%, with restrictions

As of Jan. 15, 2022, individuals 12 and up must have received one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine to enter indoor food establishments, fitness centers, cultural and entertainment facilities. By Feb. 15, individuals 12 and up must be fully vaccinated to enter these same facilities.

FLORIDA

Restaurants (Indoor + Outdoor Dining): OPEN at 100%
Bars (Indoor + Outdoor): OPEN at 100%

Due to the increase in Florida's cases, Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava announced individuals must wear a mask in county facilities, regardless of vaccination status.

GEORGIA

Restaurants (Indoor + Outdoor Dining): OPEN at 100%
Bars (Indoor + Outdoor): OPEN at 100%

As of May 1, 2021, the governor removed the remaining social distancing requirements at bars and restaurants and eliminated masks requirements for customer-facing staff like servers and bartenders. However, restaurants and bars can continue to individually implement these and other safety measures, including requiring both staff and patrons to wear masks and limiting capacity. In July 2021, Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms ordered individuals ages 10 and up to wear a mask in indoor public spaces.

HAWAII

Restaurants (Indoor + Outdoor Dining): OPEN at 100%
Bars (Indoor + Outdoor): OPEN at 100%

A statewide mandate requires individuals 5 and older to wear a face mask in indoor public settings. Masks are not required outdoors.

IDAHO

Restaurants (Indoor + Out Dining): OPEN at 100% capacity
Bars + Nightclubs (Indoor + Outdoor): OPEN at 100% capacity

According to Idaho’s Official Government Website, standing-room service will be prohibited at bars, restaurants and nightclubs in an effort to discourage social mingling. Limited occupancy encouraged, but not required, as long as social distancing maintained.

ILLINOIS

Restaurants (Indoor Dining): OPEN at 100%
Restaurants (Outdoor Dining): OPEN at 100%
Bars (that do not offer food service): OPEN at 100%

City officials stated that, effective immediately, restaurants, bars and events can offer indoor service at 100% capacity. Outdoor dining can now also accommodate more than six people per table. Restaurants, bars and event venues are no longer limited to 50 people within any one space.

As of January 3, Mayor Lori Lightfoot announced that the city of Chicago requires anyone age 5 and older to provide proof of full vaccination before they can dine indoors or enter entertainment venues where food and drinks are served including bars and nightclubs.

INDIANA

Restaurants (Indoor and Outdoor Dining): OPEN at 100%
Bars + Nightclubs (INDOOR): OPEN at 100%
Bars + Nightclubs (OUTDOOR): OPEN at 100%

According to the Indiana State Department of Health, gathering restrictions are now set by regional health officials. Gov. Holcomb has banned vaccine passports.

IOWA

Restaurants (Indoor + Outdoor Dining): OPEN at 100%, with restrictions
Bars (Indoor + Outdoor): OPEN at 100%, with restrictions

Iowa City Mayor Cownie instituted a mandate that requires individuals to wear a mask when inside public spaces, such as grocery stores, and when outside if it’s not possible to stay 6 feet away from others.

KANSAS

Restaurants (Indoor + Outdoor Dining): OPEN at 100%
Bars (Indoor + Outdoor): OPEN at 100%

KENTUCKY

Restaurants (Indoor + Outdoor Dining): OPEN at 100%
Bars (Indoor + Outdoor): OPEN at 100%

LOUISIANA

Restaurants (Indoor + Outdoor Dining): OPEN at 100%
Bars (Indoor + Outdoor): OPEN at 100%

According to New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell, individuals 12 and up must provide proof of vaccination or a negative PCR test for entry into indoor activities, including restaurants; as well as outdoor events with more than 500 people.

MAINE

Restaurants (Indoor Dining): OPEN at 100%
Restaurants (Outdoor Dining) OPEN at 100%
Bars and Tasting Rooms (Indoor + Outdoor): OPEN at 100%

As of Jan. 5, individuals 2 and older must wear a mask in indoor public spaces. Businesses that require proof of vaccination to be on site don’t need to require masks.

MARYLAND

Restaurants (Indoor): OPEN at 100%
Restaurants (Outdoor): OPEN at 100%
Bars (Indoor + Outdoor Dining): OPEN at 100%

According to the Maryland Department of Health, all establishments should still establish a 6-foot marking system to visually demonstrate the recommended social distancing at all locations where customers and staff congregate.

MASSACHUSETTS

Restaurants (Indoor Dining): OPEN at 100% occupancy, with restrictions
Restaurants (Outdoor Dining): OPEN at 100% occupancy, with restrictions
Bars and Nightclubs (Indoor + Outdoor Dining): OPEN at 100%, with restrictions

As of January 15, 2022 patrons in Boston will have to show they’ve received at least one shot in order to enter indoor spaces like restaurants and bars; on Feb. 15, patrons must be fully vaccinated.

MICHIGAN

Restaurants (Indoor Dining): OPEN at 100%
Restaurants (Outdoor DIning): OPEN at 100%
Bars (Indoor + Outdoor): OPEN at 100%

MINNESOTA

Restaurants (Indoor + Outdoor Dining): OPEN at 100%
Bars (Indoor + Outdoor): OPEN at 100%

MISSISSIPPI

Restaurants (Indoor + Outdoor Dining): OPEN at 100%
Bars (Indoor + Outdoor): OPEN at 100%

MISSOURI

Restaurants (Indoor + Outdoor Dining): OPEN at 100%, with restrictions
Bars (Indoor + Outdoor): OPEN at 100%, with restrictions

Due to the increase in cases, effective July 26, 2021, St. Louis city and health department require individuals 5 and up to wear a mask in indoor public spaces and while using public transportation.

MONTANA

Restaurants (Indoor + Outdoor Dining): OPEN at 100%, with restrictions
Bars, Distilleries and Breweries (Indoor + Outdoor): OPEN at 100%, with restrictions

NEBRASKA

Restaurants (Indoor + Outdoor Dining): OPEN at 100%
Bars, Distilleries and Breweries (Indoor + Outdoor): OPEN at 100%

Individuals 2 years old and older must wear a mask in indoor public spaces unless social distancing can be maintained.

NEVADA

Restaurants (Indoor + Outdoor Dining): OPEN at 100%
Bars, Pubs, Wineries and Breweries: OPEN at 100%

NEW HAMPSHIRE

Restaurants (Indoor + Outdoor Dining): OPEN at 100%
Bars (Indoor + Outdoor): OPEN at 100%

NEW JERSEY

Restaurants (Indoor Dining): OPEN at 100%
Restaurants (Outdoor Dining): OPEN at 100%
Bars (Indoor): OPEN at 100%
Bars (Outdoor): OPEN at 100%

NEW MEXICO

Restaurants (Indoor + Outdoor Dining): OPEN at 100%
Bars + Nightclubs (Indoor + Outdoor): OPEN at 100%

NEW YORK

Restaurants (Indoor Dining): OPEN a 100%, with restrictions
Restaurants (Outdoor Dining): OPEN at 100%, with restrictions
Bars + Nightclubs (that don’t serve food): OPEN at 100%, with restrictions

As of Decemver 10, due to the rise in the new Omnicrom variant, Governor Hochul announced masks will be required to be worn in all indoor public places unless businesses or venues implement a vaccine.

NORTH CAROLINA

Restaurants (Indoor + Outdoor Dining): OPEN at 100%
Bars (Outdoor): OPEN at 100%

NORTH DAKOTA

Restaurants (Indoor + Outdoor Dining): OPEN at 100%
Bars (Indoor + Outdoor): OPEN at 100%

OHIO

Restaurants (Indoor + Outdoor Dining): OPEN at 100%
Bars (Indoor + Outdoor): OPEN at 100%

OKLAHOMA

Restaurants (Indoor + Outdoor Dining): OPEN at 100%
Bars, Distilleries and Breweries (Indoor + Outdoor): OPEN at 100%

OREGON

Restaurants (Indoor Dining): OPEN at 100%
Restaurants (Outdoor Dining): OPEN at 100%
Bars (Indoor + Outdoor): OPEN at 100%

Masks continue to be required indoors in public spaces for individuals 5 and up, regardless of vaccination status.

PENNSYLVANIA

Restaurants (Indoor + Outdoor Dining): OPEN at 100%
Bars (Indoor + Outdoor): OPEN at 100%

Starting January 3, Philadelphia will require proof of COVID-19 vaccination for anyone five years and older who enters an establishment where food is served indoors. The new mandate goes into effect three weeks after its announcement on December 13, designed to give staff and patrons time to get vaccinated.

For the first two weeks, businesses can accept either proof of a negative COVID-19 test within 24 hours of entry or proof of vaccination. After January 17, only proof of vaccination will be accepted.

RHODE ISLAND

Restaurants (Indoor + Outdoor Dining): OPEN at 100%
Bars (that offer food service and seating): OPEN at 100%

Restaurants, retail stores and other indoor venues with a capacity of 250 people or more must require employees and patrons to wear a mask, regardless of their vaccination status. Indoor venues with a capacity of 250 people or fewer must require individuals to wear a mask or show proof of vaccination.

SOUTH CAROLINA

Restaurants (Indoor + Outdoor Dining): OPEN at 100%
Bars (Indoor + Outdoor): OPEN at 100%

The governor of South Carolina recently announced that requirements such as spacing tables six feet apart, limiting the number of diners per table to eight and not allowing people to congregate while waiting will now only be strongly encouraged, not necessary.

SOUTH DAKOTA

Restaurants (Indoor + Outdoor Dining): OPEN at 100%
Bars (Indoor + Outdoor): OPEN at 100%

While South Dakota businesses were never “forced to close”, the state's “Back to Normal” plan provides guidelines for best practices.

TENNESSEE

Restaurants (Indoor + Outdoor Dining): OPEN at 100%, with restrictions
Bars (Indoor + Outdoor): OPEN at 100%, with restrictions

TEXAS

Restaurants (Indoor + Outdoor Dining): OPEN at 100%
Bars (Indoor + Outdoor): OPEN at 100%

UTAH

Restaurants (Indoor + Outdoor Dining): OPEN at 100%, with restrictions
Bars (Indoor + Outdoor): OPEN at 75%, with restrictions
No sale of alcohol after 10pm

Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall ordered individuals ages 3 and up (including employees and visitors) to wear a mask when inside city facilitie

VERMONT

Restaurants (Indoor + Outdoor Dining): OPEN at 100%, with restrictions
Bars (Indoor + Outdoor): OPEN at 100%, with restrictions
Breweries, Tasting Rooms, Wineries, Cideries, Distilleries (Outdoor): OPEN at 100%, with restrictions

As of June 2021, the state lifted its 10 p.m. curfew for bars and clubs. According to the State of Vermont, the state is in "Step 3" of the Vermont Forward plan with the following regulations in place: A 300 cap on indoor gathering restrictions or one unvaccinated individual per 50 square feet. There are no limits on the number of vaccinated people. A cap of 900 people for outdoor gatherings. There are no limits on the number of vaccinated people. Masking and distancing for people who are unvaccinated is still required.

VIRGINIA

Restaurants (Indoor + Outdoor Dining): OPEN at 100%
Bars (Indoor + Outdoor): OPEN at 100%

WASHINGTON

Restaurants (Indoor Dining): OPEN at 100%, with restrictions
Restaurants (Outdoor Dining): OPEN at 100%, with restrictions
Bars, Taverns, Breweries, Wineries and Distilleries (Outdoor): OPEN at 100%, with restrictions
Bars, Taverns, Breweries, Wineries and Distilleries (Indoor; that don’t serve food): OPEN at 100%, with restrictions

Individuals 5 and older must wear a mask in indoor public spaces or at large outdoor events with 500 people or more, regardless of vaccination status.

WASHINGTON, D.C.

Restaurants (Indoor Dining): OPEN at 100%, with restrictions
Restaurants (Outdoor Dining): OPEN at 100%, with restrictions

By January 15, Mayor Muriel Bowser mandates that all customers ages 12 and older in Washington D.C. must have received at least one dose of a coronavirus vaccine to dine inside a restaurant or attend an event at most indoor venues; by Feb. 15, patrons must be fully vaccinated.

WEST VIRGINIA

Restaurants (Indoor + Outdoor Dining): OPEN at 100%
Bars (Indoor + Outdoor Dining): OPEN at 100%,

WISCONSIN

Restaurants (Indoor + Outdoor Dining): OPEN at 100%
Bars (Indoor + Outdoor Dining): OPEN at 100%

Individuals ages 2 and up must wear a mask in indoor public spaces when with people outside their household.

WYOMING

Restaurants (Indoor + Outdoor Dining): OPEN at 100%
Bars (Indoor + Outdoor Dining): OPEN at 100%

[Photo via Pixabay]