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.

April 11, 2021, 09:38 PM UTC

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

iIt’s hard to keep track of anything in 2020, 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 winter approaches, 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 Dining): 50% open, with restrictions; outdoor dining: 100% open, with restrictions
Bars (Indoor) 50% open, with restrictions; outdoor patio: 100% open, with restrictions.

According to Anchorage Daily News, patrons will also be limited to table service only under new changes to city pandemic restrictions. That means no standing up, sitting at the bar or ordering from the bar.

At bars and restaurants, outdoor seating in tents will still be allowed, but to allow for ventilation, the tents must have at least two walls removed, four walls rolled up at least halfway or windows that allow for an equal amount of ventilation.

Tables at hospitality establishments must be at least 6 feet apart, and only members of the same group can sit at a table.

Indoor tables also need to be 6 feet from each other, or have a partition in between tables.

Masks must be worn by all customers when they aren’t eating or drinking.

ARIZONA

Restaurants: OPEN at 50%, with restrictions
Bars: OPEN at 50%, with restrictions

According to Arizona Department of Health Services, community spread levels are defined by three thresholds (consistent with the national standards set by the Coronavirus Task Force): MINIMAL (<10 cases/100,000); MODERATE (10-100 cases/100,000); SUBSTANTIAL (>100 cases/100,000)

Occupancy if “Minimal”: 50% occupancy only if converted to restaurant service until <3% positivity. Once <3% positivity, 50% if operating as a bar.

Occupancy if “Moderate”: 50% only if converted to restaurant service.

Occupancy if “Substantial”: Closed

ARKANSAS

Restaurants (Indoor + Outdoor Dining): OPEN at 66%, with restrictions
Bars within restaurants: OPEN at 66%, with restrictions
Freestanding Bars + Clubs: OPEN at 66%, with restrictions

According to the Arkansas Department of Health, dine-in service may continue; seating may now increase to up to 66% (or two-thirds) of total seating capacity. Seating shall be adjusted to maintain six (6) feet between occupied seats at adjacent tables. Groups for bars and restaurants must be 10 or fewer customers. Patrons must wear a face covering while in the establishment when physical distancing of 6 feet cannot be ensured.

CALIFORNIA

Restaurants (Indoor Dining): CLOSED in 41 of the state’s 58 counties; remaining are OPEN at 25% capacity (or 100 people, whichever is fewer)
Restaurants (Outdoor Dining): OPEN, with restrictions
Outdoor Wineries + Tasting Rooms: OPEN, with restrictions
Bars, Breweries + Pubs (that don’t offer sit-down dining): CLOSED

According to the Restaurant Business Online, California will close restaurant dining rooms for a third time, starting Tuesday, in nearly three-fourths of its counties, a move Gov. Gavin Newsom described as “pulling the emergency brake” on a runaway increase of coronavirus infections in the nation’s largest restaurant market.

COLORADO

Restaurants (Indoor Dining): OPEN at 25%, with restrictions
Restaurants (Outdoor Dining): OPEN at 100%, with restrictions
Bars + Breweries Indoor Service (that do not serve food from a licensed retail food establishment): CLOSED

According to the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment, as of Jan. 4, several counties will move to level orange (high risk) on the state dial in response to rapid and widespread COVID-19 transmission. Level orange counties will see indoor dining open at 25% capacity.

CONNECTICUT

Restaurants (Indoor Dining): OPEN at 50%, with a maximum of 8 people limited to a table
Bars: CLOSED

According to Connecticut Official State Website, the state is rolling back to Phase 2 effective November 6, 2020. Restaurants will be required to close by 9:30 p.m., with the exception of food takeout and delivery services, which will be allowed to continue after 9:30 p.m.

DELAWARE

Restaurants (Indoor Dining): OPEN at 50%, with restrictions
Restaurants (Outdoor Dining): OPEN at 60%, with restrictions
Bars (Indoor): OPEN at 50%, with restrictions
Bars (Outdoor): OPEN at 60%, with restrictions

According to Delaware Health and Social Services, effective February 12, Gov. John Carney loosened restrictions and capped the occupancy of restaurants at 50%.

FLORIDA

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

GEORGIA

Restaurants (Indoor + Outdoor Dining): OPEN at 100%
Bars (Indoor + Outdoor): OPEN at 35% (or 50 persons), with restrictions

According to the Georgia Department of Public Health, bars must limit party size at tables to no more than six (6), enforce Social Distancing of non-cohabiting persons while present on such entity's leased or owned property and shall only provide service to seated patrons, or, if not applicable, to patrons in designated areas that are practicing social distancing.

HAWAII

Restaurants (Indoor + Outdoor Dining): OPEN at 75%, with restrictions
Bars (Indoor + Outdoor): OPEN at 75%, with restrictions

As of March, Hawaii significantly eased COVID restrictions and is now under the modifications to Tier 3 of the city’s reopening strategy.

Oahu bars, which have been shut down since August, can reopen immediately and operate the same way that restaurants do. Both bars and restaurants will be allowed to serve alcohol until midnight. Previously, restaurants had to stop serving alcohol at 10 p.m.

IDAHO

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

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 50%, with restrictions
Restaurants (Outdoor Dining): OPEN at 50% (or 50-person capacity limit / room), with restrictions
Bars (that do not offer food service): OPEN at 50%, with restrictions

As of March 2, City officials that, effective immediately, restaurants, bars and events can offer indoor service at 50% capacity. Outdoor dining can now also accommodate more than six people per table. Restaurants, bars and event venues will be limited to 50 people within any one space. The curfew for restaurants and bars is being extended from 11 p.m. to 1 a.m. Alcohol sales from liquor stores and other establishments can also continue until 11 p.m., after nearly a year of being limited to a 9 p.m. stop time.

INDIANA

Restaurants (Indoor and Outdoor Dining): OPEN at 50%, with restrictions
Bars + Nightclubs (INDOOR): OPEN at 25%, with restrictions
Bars + Nightclubs (OUTDOOR): OPEN at 50%, with restrictions

According to the Indiana State Department of Health, restaurants and bars must maintain appropriate social distancing. A bar section must have people seated. A state-wide mask mandate will remain in effect.

IOWA

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

According to the State of Iowa’s Alcoholic Beverage Division, effective at 12:01 a.m. on November 17, and continuing until 11:59 p.m. on December 10 the following guidelines must be followed:

A restaurant or bar, including a wedding reception venue, winery, brewery, distillery, country club, or other social or fraternal club, may reopen or remain open to serve food and beverages on its premises, but only to the extent that it complies with the following requirements:
Hours limited: The establishment must close to the general public for in-person consumption on its premises at 10:00 p.m. and may not reopen until 6:00 a.m. the following day. No serving or consuming may occur on the premises after 10:00 p.m. This does not prohibit an establishment from continuing to serve food or beverages, to the extent permitted by applicable law if the food or beverages are promptly taken from the premises, such as a carry-out or drive through basis, or if the food or beverage is delivered to customers off the premises.
Social distancing: The establishment must ensure at least six feet of physical distance between each group or individual dining alone. Seating at booths closer than six feet may satisfy this requirement if the booths are separated by a barrier of a sufficient height to fully separate seated customers. All patrons must have a seat at a table or booth and must consume their food or beverage while seated at the table or booth. Seating at a bar is not allowed. Establishments must limit patrons from congregating together closer than six feet.
Groups limited: The establishment must limit the group size seated together to no more than eight people unless all members of the group are members of the same household.
Private gatherings prohibited: The establishment must not host private social gatherings larger than 15 people indoors or 30 people outdoors that are prohibited by this Proclamation, regardless of the group size seated together at a table.
Masks required while not seated: The establishment must require all customers to wear a mask or face covering while in the establishment unless seated at a properly distanced booth or table. This includes while participating in any games, pool, arcades, dancing, or karaoke. The establishment must also require all employees who interact with customers to wear a mask or face covering

KANSAS

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

KENTUCKY

Restaurants (Indoor + Outdoor Dining): OPEN at 50% (seated only), with restrictions
Bars (Indoor + Outdoor): OPEN at 50% (seated only), with restrictions

The regulations according to Kentucky’s “Healthy At Work” Policy are as follows:

All customers at a bar or restaurant must be seated and served at tables or booths
Discontinue all bar seating and bar service
Discontinue dine-in food and drink service by 11:00 p.m. local prevailing time.
Close no later than 12:00 a.m. local prevailing time, except for drive-thru, carry-out and delivery services.
Limit the number of customers present inside any given establishment to 50% of the maximum permitted occupancy or the greatest number that permits individuals not from the same household to maintain six (6) feet of space between each other with that level of occupancy.
For booth seating only, restaurants may install non-porous physical barriers (e.g., plexiglass shields) between booths to permit usage of sequential booths unable to be separated by six (6) feet so long as the barrier effectively separates the opposite sides of the barrier.
Establishments that choose to have outdoor seating may do so without those customers counting against the 50% occupancy limit so long as those customers remain seated and at least six (6) feet of space is maintained between customers at different tables.
If an establishment uses a tent, at least 50% of the tent perimeter (e.g., 2 sides of a square tent) must remain completely open at all times and six (6) feet of space must be maintained between customers at different tables.
If an establishment uses a tent with fewer than 50% of the perimeter (e.g., for a square tent, fewer than 2 sides) completely open, that tent is considered interior space and is subject to the 50% capacity limitation noted above.
Prohibit customer traffic in the bar or restaurant except for the purposes of entry

LOUISIANA

Restaurants (Indoor + Outdoor Dining): OPEN at 75%, with restrictions
Bars (Indoor + Outdoor): OPEN at 75% of capacity or up to 50 patrons (seated only), with restrictions

According to The Advocate, Louisiana bars can only start serving again in parishes that show a positivity rate of 5 percent or less for two consecutive weeks, and if the local governing authority – presumably the mayor – opts to do so.

MAINE

Restaurants (Indoor Dining): OPEN (50 people maximum)
Restaurants (Outdoor Dining) OPEN (100 people maximum)
Bars and Tasting Rooms (Indoor + Outdoor): CLOSED

According to the State of Maine, the state was set to move into Phase 4, which would allow bars to reopen and restaurants to increase capacity to 50%; however, the governor put this plan “on hold” as cases began to surge.

MARYLAND

Restaurants (Indoor): OPEN at 50%, with restrictions
Restaurants (Outdoor): OPEN at 75% with restrictions
Bars (Indoor + Outdoor Dining): OPEN at 50%, with restrictions

According to the Maryland Department of Health, all establishments should establish a 6-foot marking system to visually demonstrate the recommended social distancing at all locations where customers and staff congregate. Customers seated at the bar must comply with the appropriate social distancing guidelines of at least 6 feet, except for households or a group seated together. Standing in a bar area should not be permitted.

As of November 18th, a 10 p.m. curfew for all bars and restaurants across the state will be enforced to tighten capacity limits.

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 March 1, restaurants in Massachusetts will no longer be subject to percentage-based capacity limits, as the state enters Phase 3, Step 2 of its reopening plan. Restaurants will also be permitted to host musical performances; must adhere to six-foot social distancing, limits of six people per table.

MICHIGAN

Restaurants (Indoor Dining): OPEN at 25%, with restrictions
Restaurants (Outdoor DIning): OPEN at 50%, with restrictions
Bars (if they derive more than 70% of their gross receipts from alcohol): OPEN at 25%, with restrictions

As of February 1, restaurants and bars will be allowed to reopen at 25% capacity with up to 100 people. Tables must be six feet apart, with no more than six people per table. Outdoor tents with four sides are permitted under the same rules.

Bars and restaurants have to close by 10 p.m. and contact information must be collected from diners for contact tracing purposes.

MINNESOTA

Restaurants (Indoor + Outdoor Dining): OPEN at 50%, with restrictions
Bars (Indoor + Outdoor): OPEN at 50%, with restrictions

According to Minnesota's Industry Health Guidelines, occupancy capacity is limited to no more than 50% of established capacity, up to a maximum of 250 patrons inside (from 150 patrons); and a maximum of 250 patrons outside (from 150 patrons). Social distancing of 6 feet must be maintained between parties. Onsite dining hours are between 4:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m. (previously 10:00 p.m.) Take-out and delivery may occur after 11:00 p.m. Party/table size must be limited to no more than six people. A party of two may be seated together at a bar or counter. Patrons are required to wear masks indoors, except when eating or drinking and must be seated in all areas, except for limited, separated activities outlined in the restaurant guidance.

MISSISSIPPI

Restaurants (Indoor + Outdoor Dining): OPEN at 75%, with restrictions
Bars (Indoor + Outdoor): OPEN at 75%, with restrictions

According to the Mississippi Department of Health, all parties or groups must be separated by a minimum of 6 feet. Bars may sell alcohol only to seated customers and hours are restricted to 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.

MISSOURI

Restaurants (Indoor + Outdoor Dining): OPEN at 50%, with restrictions
Bars (Indoor + Outdoor): OPEN at 50%, with restrictions

As of March 1, restaurants, taverns, and venues for food and drink must limit occupancy to 50%; require indoor patrons to be seated and wearing masks unless actively eating or drinking; limit parties to 10 or fewer persons. Bars and restaurants that serve alcohol must limit groups to 10 persons; observe social distancing between tables; require customers to wear masks when not seated and require customers to remain seated when not entering, exiting, or visiting the restroom, bar, or buffet.

MONTANA

Restaurants (Indoor + Outdoor Dining): OPEN at 50%, with restrictions
Bars, Distilleries and Breweries (Indoor + Outdoor): OPEN at 50%, with restrictions

According to the State of Montana, establishments must follow physical distancing guidelines (at least 6 feet apart). Bars and restaurants must remove all customers by 10:00 p.m. Mask required while indoors (except for when eating and drinking).

NEBRASKA

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

According to Nebraska’s Department of Health and Human Services. Patrons must remain seated unless placing order or going to a restroom. Table size limited to eight.

NEVADA

Restaurants (Indoor + Outdoor Dining): OPEN at 50%, with restrictions
Bars, Pubs, Wineries and Breweries: OPEN at 50%, with restrictions

A Nevada Covid-19 task force recently met to discuss lifting restriction on bars. Bars and restaurants can operate within limitations including mourning distance between customers and facial coverings all around. Customers seated at tables can still be served alcohol, but they cannot congregate in bar areas or be served at the bar. All bar tops will be closed.

NEW HAMPSHIRE

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

According to New Hampshire's Food Service Industry, social distancing must be built into food service operations to maintain a safe distance of at least 6 feet between employees and customers when feasible.

Limit tables to no more than six (6) adults per table and no more than ten (10) individuals total. 4) Table spacing (both indoors and outdoors) should be maintained so people sitting at adjacent tables are more than 6 feet apart.

Bar areas can open while following social distancing protocols between groups or individuals seated at the bar (capacity may be affected to maintain the appropriate social distancing). Customers are not allowed to stand/mingle in the bar area and must be seated (no groups interacting with each other).

NEW JERSEY

Restaurants (Indoor Dining): OPEN at 25%, with restrictions
Restaurants (Outdoor Dining): OPEN at 100%, with restrictions
Bars (Indoor): OPEN at 25%, with restrictions
Bars (Outdoor): OPEN at 100%, with restrictions

According to the Official State Site of New Jersey, restaurants and bars must adhere to the following:

Limit seating to a maximum of 8 customers per table - unless from an immediate family or the same household – and arrange seating to achieve a minimum distance of 6 feet between parties;
Require customers to provide a phone number if making a reservation to facilitate contact tracing
Require customers who wish to enter the indoor portion of the establishment to wear a face covering, unless the customer has a medical reason for not doing so or is a child under two years of age;
Require that groups stay 6 feet apart, even in areas where groups are not assigned seating
All restaurants, bars, clubs, and lounges that serve food and drink must close their indoor premises for business by 10 pm each day and cannot open until at least 5 am the following day. Outdoor dining, takeout, and delivery services may continue past 10 pm.

NEW MEXICO

Restaurants (Indoor + Outdoor Dining): OPEN at 50%, with restrictions
Bars + Nightclubs (Indoor + Outdoor): CLOSED

According to the New Mexico Department of Health, food and drink establishments must complete the New Mexico Safe Certification program by Oct. 30 to offer indoor dining at 25% of maximum capacity. If a food establishment fails to complete the free certification program, it will not be allowed to provide indoor dining. All tables, whether located indoors or outdoors, must be spaced at least six feet apart, and no more than six patrons are permitted at a single table. Any food or drink establishment in New Mexico that serves alcohol must close at 10 p.m. each night. The businesses must also consent to spot testing of employees, and establish a logbook of all customers who dine-in.

NEW YORK

Restaurants (Indoor Dining): OPEN a 75%, with restrictions
Restaurants (Outdoor Dining): OPEN at 75%, with restrictions
Bars + Nightclubs (that don’t serve food): CLOSED

Governor Andtew Cuomo has announced that restaurants throughout New York state, which are currently operating at 50%, could expand to 75% indoor dining capacity starting March 19th. He also announced that restaurants in New York City and the state of New Jersey will be permitted to increase indoor dining capacity to 50% starting March 19th.

Governor Cuomo signed an executive order on February 14, 2021 to extend the closing times for restaurants, bars, gyms and fitness centers, casinos, billiards halls, as well as other State Liquor Authority-licensed establishments, from 10 p.m. to 11 p.m.

NORTH CAROLINA

Restaurants (Indoor + Outdoor Dining): OPEN at 50%, with restrictions
Bars (Outdoor): OPEN at 30%, with restrictions

Restaurants are required to adhere to the following:

Ensure social distancing by arranging tables and seating to achieve at least 6-foot separation between parties for indoor and outdoor dining
Each group of people sitting at a counter should be separated by six (6) feet
Limit to 50% of stated fire capacity or 12 people per 1,000 square feet if there is not a fire code number available
When no fire code number is available for outdoor dining, the 12 people per 1,000 square feet number should be applied

NORTH DAKOTA

Restaurants (Indoor + Outdoor Dining): OPEN at 50%
Bars (Indoor + Outdoor): OPEN at 50%
All bars, restaurants and food service establishments are not to exceed 150 patrons, and are closed to in-person service between the hours of 10 p.m. and 4 a.m.

OHIO

Restaurants (Indoor + Outdoor Dining): OPEN at 100%, with restrictions
Bars (Indoor + Outdoor): OPEN at 100%, with restrictions
10 p.m. curfews on indoor restaurant service

According to Responsible RestartOhio, restaurants and bars must ensure a minimum of six feet between parties waiting and when dining; if not possible, utilize barriers or other protective devices. Customers and guests must wear face coverings at all times, except when dining. A maximum of 10 people per party.

OKLAHOMA

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

According to Gov. Kevin Stitt’s new COVID-19 restrictions, the folliwing guidlines must be followed starting Thursday, Nov. 19:

All restaurants must space tables at least 6 feet apart, unless tables, booths and bar areas are separated by sanitized dividers.
All bars and restaurants must close by 11 p.m. each night. No in-person service of food or alcohol will be allowed after 11 p.m. except for restaurant drive-thru windows or curbside pickup.

OREGON

Restaurants (Indoor Dining): OPEN at 25% (or more than 50 people), with restrictions
Restaurants (Outdoor Dining): OPEN at 25% (or more than 50 people), with restrictions
Bars (Indoor + Outdoor): CLOSED

After cases decreased, Portland briefly began serving up to 100 people indoors; however, as of April 9, Multnomah and Clackamas counties will re-enter the state’s “high risk” meaning estaurants can’t serve more than 50 people indoors or at 25 percent capacity, whichever is smaller; the state will reassign county risk levels on April 20, to go into effect April 23.

PENNSYLVANIA

Restaurants (Indoor + Outdoor Dining): OPEN at 50%, with restrictions
Bars (Indoor + Outdoor): OPEN at 50%, with restrictions

According to the Official Pennsylvania Website, restaurants and bars can limit indoor occupancy to 50% of stated fire code maximum occupancy, if the facility has self-certified starting on September 21st. If restaurants do not self-certify, they may not exceed 25% of the indoor occupancy limit.

Food service businesses serving alcohol for on-site consumption must end alcohol sales at 11 p.m. and all alcoholic beverages must be removed from patrons by midnight.

All customers are required to wear masks while entering, exiting, or otherwise traveling throughout the restaurant or retail food service business. Face coverings may be removed while seated. Customers must have at least six feet between parties at tables, (i.e., the six feet cannot include the space taken up by the seated guest) or physical barriers between customers where booths are arranged back to back. If tables or other seating are not movable, parties must be seated at least six feet apart.

RHODE ISLAND

Restaurants (Indoor + Outdoor Dining): OPEN at 66%, with restrictions
Bars (that offer food service and seating)): OPEN at 66%, with restrictions

According to Reopening Rhode Island, indoor venues operating at a percent capacity in phase 2 can increase up to 66% capacity with 6-foot spacing; indoor venues operating at a square footage capacity in phase 2 can increase up to 1 person per 100 square feet with 6-foot spacing.

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

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

According to Tennseee’s Office of the Governor, social distancing is required in waiting areas and restrooms and tables should be spaced 6 feet apart. Face coverings should be worn by patrons except while eating or drinking. Bars, bar areas, night clubs, and limited service restaurants should seat tables and parties separated by at least 6 feet and limit gathering by unseated persons.

TEXAS

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

According to the Texas Restaurant Association, all customers within bars or restaurants must be seated while eating or drinking. All individuals must wear a face covering (over the nose and mouth) wherever it is not feasible to maintain 6 feet of social distancing from another individual not in the same household, except when seated at the bar or similar establishment to eat or drink.

UTAH

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

According to the Utah's Department of Health website, the state is under a statewide mask ban as of 11/8/20.

According to the Salt Lake Tribune, the restaurant waiting areas must still maintain a 6-feet social distancing, but this does not apply to the the dining room in moderate-transmission counties; bars are limited to 75% capacity and must ask guests to wear masks while mingling with people outside of their group. Distancing in bars and eateries is not mandated in the least restrictive areas. The latest system does away with most previous guidelines, and officials say they are relying on businesses to take responsibility for keeping their customers safe.

VERMONT

Restaurants (Indoor + Outdoor Dining): OPEN at 50%, with restrictions
Bars (Indoor + Outdoor): CLOSED, but curbside is allowed
Breweries, Tasting Rooms, Wineries, Cideries, Distilleries (Outdoor): OPEN at 50%, with restrictions
Restaurants must close at 10pm for in-person dining, but curbside can continue after

According to the State of Vermont, the following guidelines are required for bars and restaurants to reopen:

Restaurants, catering, food service, and bars may allow 50 percent of fire safety occupancy or 1 person per 100 square feet, with a maximum of 75 people indoors and 150 people outdoors or their maximum licensed seating capacity, whichever is less.
Seating must be available for all patrons and seating must allow for physical distancing of at least 6 feet between seated dining parties. Standing is not allowed at this time. Customers must be seated while consuming food or beverages.
Bar seating may only be open if a physical barrier, such as a piece of plexiglass, separates the patrons from bartenders and the drink preparation area.
A counter area, such as a lunch counter or diner counter, may be open if there is at least six feet between customers and six feet between the customer and any waitstaff and no food or beverage production or storage occurs at the counter.
Reservations or call ahead seating is required. Waiting areas must accommodate physical distancing.
Shared food service (buffet style) and self-serve utensils, plates or napkins, are prohibited. However, a staffed banquet style buffet may occur if serving lines can accommodate physical distancing.
Customers are required to wear face coverings when not eating.

VIRGINIA

Restaurants (Indoor + Outdoor Dining): OPEN at 100%, with restrictions
Bars (Indoor + Outdoor): OPEN at 100%, with restrictions
No sale of alcohol after 10pm including on-site sale, consumption, and possession of alcohol in breweries, wineries, and bars.

According to Virginia’s state guidelines, all parties must be separated by at least 6 feet, including in the bar area, (i.e., the 6 feet cannot include the space taken up by the seated guest). If tables are not movable, seat parties at least 6 feet apart, including in the bar area. Spacing must also allow for physical distancing from areas outside of the facility’s control (i.e., provide physical distancing from persons on public sidewalks). All parties, whether seated together or across multiple tables, must be limited to 250 patrons or less. Restaurants may use non-bar seating in the bar area, as long as a minimum of six feet between tables is provided. Bar seats and congregating areas of restaurants must be closed to patrons except for through-traffic. If live musicians are performing at an establishment, they must remain at least ten feet from patrons and staff. Karaoke is prohibited in phase 3.

WASHINGTON

Restaurants (Indoor Dining): OPEN at 25%, with restrictions
Restaurants (Outdoor Dining): OPEN at 50%, with restrictions
Bars, Taverns, Breweries, Wineries and Distilleries (Outdoor): OPEN at 50%, with restrictions
Bars, Taverns, Breweries, Wineries and Distilleries (Indoor; that don’t serve food): OPEN at 25%, with restrictions

According to Washington’s State Site, restaurants and bars can resume indoor dining at 25% capacity.

WEST VIRGINIA

Restaurants (Indoor + Outdoor Dining): OPEN at 50%, with restrictions
Bars (Indoor + Outdoor Dining): OPEN at 50%, with restrictions

According to West Virginia Strong, all seating (bar and dining area) should be spaced to maintain at least six (6) feet of distance between patrons who do not reside or arrive together. Patrons are not allowed congregate in waiting areas

WISCONSIN

Restaurants (Indoor + Outdoor Dining): OPEN at 25%
Bars (Indoor + Outdoor Dining): OPEN at 25%

According to the State of Wisconsin’s latest order, due to surge in Covid-19 cases, groups larger than 25% of the indoor room’s occupancy are prohibited, as determined by the local municipality. For example, if the local municipality sets a capacity limit of 100 people in a given indoor room, only 25 people would be able to be in that room.

WYOMING

Restaurants (Indoor + Outdoor Dining): OPEN at 50%, with restrictions
Bars (Indoor + Outdoor Dining): OPEN at 50%, with restrictions

According the Wyoming Department of Health, customers must be seated at tables or booths. If seated at a bar, patrons of separate households or groups must be 6 (six) feet apart. Tables must be limited to eight (8) people, unless the members of one household exceed that number. Tables must be positioned so that patrons at different tables are at least six (6) feet apart from each other on all sides (does not apply to booths). Due to winter, plans to expand indoor dining are currently in discussion.

[Photo via Pixabay]