(WWJ) A Detroit brewery plans to stick to outdoor service only — despite the loosened capacity rules going into effect in Michigan this Friday.
Steven Roginson, who owns Batch Brewing Company in Corktown, says he's taken a very firm position on the matter, and won't feel safe with indoor dining until all of his employees are vaccinated against COVID-19, and most of the public, too.
In his opinion, he told WWJ's Sandra McNeill: "The people that are really, really itching and most vocal to get inside to eat and drink are the ones that haven't historically been as safe as they needed to during the harder months of operating."
Roginson said, at least for now, he will continue to only serve his patrons outside, on an extensive heated outdoor patio he's dubbed the "Fauci Fieldhouse."
"I am not eager to see a large group of people, you know... intoxicated, with their arms draped around each other, and watch a hardworking restaurant become an accidental super-spreader event," he said. "No thank you."
Roginson won't be dining out anyplace else, either, whether the restaurant is running at 25% or 50% capacity.
"I get carryout, I do curbside, I do not go inside to dine at anybody's establishment," he said. "And I still feel that most consumers believe in that."
While Roginson acknowledged it's been tough at times, there were a few nice weekends in January that turned out to be his busiest January Saturdays ever, he said.
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Meanwhile, it's expected that many Michigan restaurants will begin inviting twice as many customers in out of the cold across the state.
Michigan's latest public health order increases business capacity limits — allowing restaurants and bars to fill to 50% capacity up to 100 people, beginning March 5.
Consumption of food or beverages is permitted only in a designated dining area where patrons are seated, groups of patrons are separated by at least 6 feet, no more than 6 patrons are seated together (at a table, booth, or group of fixed seats), and groups of patrons do not intermingle. There will also be an 11 p.m. curfew in effect. Get all the details HERE.
Restaurant and bars across Michigan have been clamoring for more wiggle room during the nearly year-long COVID-19 pandemic, some asserting that they will be forced out of business if restrictions remain in place much longer.
In recent months, a few dozen restaurants in the state have had their liquor licenses suspended for breaking virus-related rules; including packing in too many people.
The new 50% capacity limit will remain in effect at least through April 19.
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