ALBANY, N.Y. (WCBS 880) — The curfew on bars and restaurants in New York is going away next month.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced Wednesday that the 12 a.m. curfew for outdoor dining areas will be lifted on May 17 followed by indoor dining starting May 31.
The 1 a.m. curfew for catered events where attendees must provide proof of vaccination or a recent negative COVID-19 test will be lifted May 17, with the curfew for all catered events set to be lifted May 31.
"It's a symbolic message. It's number one that we're moving closer to our new normal and closer to a return to normal," said Tom Harris, president of the Times Square Alliance. "It also help the owners and operators pay more staff, bring more staff back and serve more people."
This also marks the end of the symbolic "Cuomo chips." Starting Monday, people can buy drinks without getting food.
Paul Barbey, who owns Hurley's Saloon in the Theater District, called it incredibly positive news.
"A little overdue, but we'll take it," he said. "We will be back operating our businesses under normal circumstances, under normal hours. I think it will help with the sales and moving forward will give people a sense of normalcy."
On May 3, catered events will also be allowed at private residences as long as they adhere to the state's safety guidelines, dancing among attendees at catered events will be aligned with neighboring states — replacing fixed dance zones for each table with social distancing and masks, and seating at bars will be allowed in New York City.
"We know the COVID positivity rate is a function of our behavior, and over the last year New Yorkers have remained disciplined and continued with the practices we know work to stop the spread of the virus," Cuomo said. "Everything we've been doing is working - all the arrows are pointing in the right direction and now we're able to increase economic activity even more."
Cuomo said lifting the curfews will allow bars, restaurants and catering to begin their recovery.
"To be clear: we will only be able to maintain this progress if everyone gets the COVID vaccine," Cuomo said. "It is the weapon that will will the war and we need everyone to take it, otherwise we risk going backward."