Music & Games

New Jersey allows indoor dining starting Friday

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September 2, 2020

New Jersey bars and restaurants will be allowed to reopen their indoor dining sections with restrictions ahead of the Labor Day weekend now that Gov. Phil Murphy has signed Executive Order No. 183. The order establishes rules for the resumption of indoor dining on Friday at 6 a.m., provided businesses comply with the health and safety standards issued by the Department of Health, according to an update from the New Jersey Attractions Association.

The order also contains requirements for movie theaters and other indoor entertainment businesses, where the number of patrons for a performance will be limited to 25% capacity, up to a maximum of 150 people, according to a press release.

The order also increases the limits for indoor gatherings that are religious services or celebrations, political activities, wedding ceremonies, funerals or memorial services to 25% capacity with a maximum of 150 people, an increase from the current limit of 25% capacity with a maximum of 100 people. Other indoor gatherings, including house parties, remain at the limit of 25% capacity with a maximum of 25 people.

"Given the progress we continue to see statewide, and with the proper precautions and limitations in place, I am proud that we can take this step today to allow our restaurants to once again welcome patrons back for indoor dining services," Murphy said in the press release. "Our job now is to ensure that this resumption only leads to future expansions of indoor capacity limits, and that we do not have to take a step backward."

"We are excited to see the announcement allowing the start of indoor dining," said Marilou Halvorsen, president of the New Jersey Restaurant and Hospitality Association. "This has been a long road and I appreciate the governor and his team communicating with the association and members of the industry. The industry is ready for a safe reopening and getting New Jerseyans back to work. We look forward to the next phase."