From Governor Cuomo:
To mitigate the spread of this disease, food establishments will not be permitted to offer indoor dining beginning on Monday, December 14.
Food establishments that are located outside of State-designated “red zones” are still permitted to offer take-out, delivery, and outdoor dining. Food establishments that are located within State-designated “red zones” may continue to offer take-out and delivery only.
If you are a restaurant owner whose establishment is permitted to offer outdoor dining, you may still sign up to participate in the Open Restaurants program by visiting nyc.gov/openrestaurants. If you are already participating, you may use the same link to check siting requirements and ensure your set up is compliant.
Remember: New York State’s current guidance for outdoor and take-out/delivery food services permits restaurants to install a temporary or fixed cover (i.e. awning, roof, or tent) only if two (2) or more side walls are open.
If your structure has fewer than two (2) side walls open, it is considered an indoor dining area and therefore cannot be used for dining unless:
• a) you modify the structure to be compliant with New York State’s guidelines;
• or b) State officials announce that indoor dining may resume.
If you would like to ensure that your set up is compliant with Open Restaurant requirements, you may request a virtual compliance consultation by visiting nyc.gov/bizconsult.
(Editor’s note: EATER Magazine responded to the Governor’s move, noting that “Restaurants and bars accounted for 1.4 percent COVID-19 cases recorded in the last three months, prompting some restaurateurs to push back against the ban…many felt the decision seemed to contradict the data. By comparison, private and social gatherings accounted for nearly 74 percent of COVID- 19 cases tracked by the state between September and the end of November, and the restaurant industry placed fifth overall among the various industries and activities contributing to the spread of the virus.”)