Bar Seating Is NOW Allowed, in Virginia.
Virginia Governor Ralph Northam has updated one of his executive orders to now include bar seating as an option, when going out! This is the first time Virginians will be able to sit at a bar since March of 2020! Now, “patrons may be seated at the bar for service, provided a minimum of six feet is provided between parties.” BIG NEWS, for our Virginia bars and restaurants with bar seating!
Restaurants, dining establishments, food courts, breweries, microbreweries, distilleries, wineries, and tasting rooms may continue to operate delivery, take-out, and indoor and outdoor service, provided such businesses comply with the Guidelines for All Business Sectors, and sector-specific guidance for restaurant and beverage services incorporated by reference herein. But the big news, today, is that bar seating has just been opened, with the following requirements:
- All parties must be separated by at least six feet, including in the bar area.
- Tables at which dining parties are seated must be positioned six feet apart from other tables.
- All parties must maintain 6 feet physical distance.
- If tables are not movable, parties must be seated at least six feet apart, including in the bar area.
- Congregating in areas of restaurants must be closed to patrons except for through-traffic.
- No alcohol sales or consumption between midnight and 5 a.m.
- Employees must wear masks over their nose and mouth and patrons must wear masks over their nose and mouth, except while eating or drinking.
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