New COVID-19 restrictions will mean more people can dine indoors this week. But bar and restaurant owners still have some challenges.
Bars and restaurants can now operate at 75% capacity. But masks are still required, and so is 6 feet of separation, unless there's a partition.
"Restaurants are allowed to use, in addition to bar barriers between parties - those would be like plexiglass shields between parties or patrons at the bar - they're now allowed to use plexiglass shields or some other barrier between tables," said John Longstreet is president of the Pennsylvania Restaurant and Lodging Association.
He says the new guidelines are good for business, especially those that serve alcohol. "Bar seating is now permitted again and that's essential for most restaurants and you no longer have to buy a meal in order to get a beer or a glass of wine. And then lastly, the alcohol curfew has been lifted so that you don't have to give last call at 11 o'clock any more."
Longstreet says restaurants need to continue to be creative with seating and use the barriers as well as keep their takeout business strong and they can also look forward to outdoor dining.
However, even with restrictions being lifted, many say hiring workers hasn't been easy because unemployment and stimulus efforts have made it profitable to stay home.
