Reopening Sector Rules for CT Restaurants
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Effective Wednesday, May 19, 2021
All remaining restrictions will be lifted, except masks will continue to be required in all indoor public settings where social distancing is not possible.
These changes are contingent upon a low incidence of COVID-19 and the Connecticut population continuing to get vaccinated.
DPH will also be issuing recommendations for hosting large events (e.g. concerts).
All remaining restrictions will be lifted, except masks will continue to be required in all indoor public settings where social distancing is not possible.
These changes are contingent upon a low incidence of COVID-19 and the Connecticut population continuing to get vaccinated.
DPH will also be issuing recommendations for hosting large events (e.g. concerts).
What are the current capacity and gathering size limits?
Gathering size restrictions (indoor and outdoor) are updated by the state and listed HERE.
Beginning March 19, 2021
- Indoor capacity at restaurants - 100% (subject to 6 foot spacing and/or barriers)
- Allowable capacity for private indoor events - 100 people (limit 50% venue capacity)
- Allowable capacity for private outdoor events - 200 people.
What is the max table size allowed for indoor and outdoor dining?
Beginning November 6: 8 people per table.
Effective May 1, 2021: Tables continue to be subject to an 8-person capacity limit indoors. No limit outdoors.
Beginning November 6: 8 people per table.
Effective May 1, 2021: Tables continue to be subject to an 8-person capacity limit indoors. No limit outdoors.
Does food have to be served with alcohol?
Effective May 1, 2021 - Food Service continues to be required with alcohol service indoors–indoor bars that only serve beverages must remain closed.
Food Service will no longer be required with alcohol service outdoors—outdoor bars that only serve beverages may open.
Standing bar service is allowed outdoors.
Executive Order 11 F
Statement from Liquor Control
Effective May 1, 2021 - Food Service continues to be required with alcohol service indoors–indoor bars that only serve beverages must remain closed.
Food Service will no longer be required with alcohol service outdoors—outdoor bars that only serve beverages may open.
Standing bar service is allowed outdoors.
Executive Order 11 F
Statement from Liquor Control
Can restaurants seat guests at the bar without barriers (ie, plexiglass)?
Barriers at the bar are not required ONLY when staff are performing very limited duties and staff are wearing required PPE. Bar work stations must have a barrier or be spaced at least 6 feet from any guests. For clarification, please reference Restaurant Guidelines section on bar seating (page 11).
Can customers still sit at the bar with Phase 2.1 (November 6 changes):
Yes, these guidelines were set as part of Phase 2 and are still in effect.
Barriers at the bar are not required ONLY when staff are performing very limited duties and staff are wearing required PPE. Bar work stations must have a barrier or be spaced at least 6 feet from any guests. For clarification, please reference Restaurant Guidelines section on bar seating (page 11).
Can customers still sit at the bar with Phase 2.1 (November 6 changes):
Yes, these guidelines were set as part of Phase 2 and are still in effect.
Can restaurants serve drinks to walk ups at the bar?
Effective May 1, 2021: No standing bar services is allowed indoors outside of private events. Outdoor bars that only serve beverages may open. Standing bar service is allowed outdoors.
Guidance through April 30, 2021:
No. There is no stand up or walk up service at bars. Guests must be seated at the bar (or table) to order drinks.
Private events ONLY may have walk up bar service provided they follow social distancing and all other indoor/outdoor event guidelines.
Effective May 1, 2021: No standing bar services is allowed indoors outside of private events. Outdoor bars that only serve beverages may open. Standing bar service is allowed outdoors.
Guidance through April 30, 2021:
No. There is no stand up or walk up service at bars. Guests must be seated at the bar (or table) to order drinks.
Private events ONLY may have walk up bar service provided they follow social distancing and all other indoor/outdoor event guidelines.
Are singers allowed indoors?
Effective March 19, 2021 - Performers and musical vocalists at restaurants, outdoor and indoor events, and performing arts venues are allowed, subject to the following:
Effective March 19, 2021 - Performers and musical vocalists at restaurants, outdoor and indoor events, and performing arts venues are allowed, subject to the following:
- 12 ft. spacing or more from the nearest person dining or working (for example, workstations or walking paths used by employees must be included in the 12 ft. distancing).
- To maximize the protection of their patrons and employees, businesses/organizations are strongly encouraged to require performers to obtain a negative COVID-19 test (PCR) within 72 hours prior to performing.
Are walls allowed to be down on tents?
Tents are allowed to have two sides down (or no more than 50% of total wall space) at all times. If inclement weather occurs, a total of three flaps can be down. Once inclement weather passes, flaps must be lifted immediately. Fully enclosed tents or tents with over 50% of their total wall space down will be treated as an indoor event and must conform to state and local building codes.
Reference page 10 for state guidelines on tents HERE.
Tents are allowed to have two sides down (or no more than 50% of total wall space) at all times. If inclement weather occurs, a total of three flaps can be down. Once inclement weather passes, flaps must be lifted immediately. Fully enclosed tents or tents with over 50% of their total wall space down will be treated as an indoor event and must conform to state and local building codes.
Reference page 10 for state guidelines on tents HERE.
Are there restrictions to hours of operation for restaurants?
Beginning March 19, 2021: All restaurants must close by 11 pm for both indoor and outdoor dining. To go and take out can continue after 11 pm.
Beginning May 1, 2021:
All restaurants, entertainment, recreation, and theaters will be subject to a 12:00 AM closing time.
Beginning March 19, 2021: All restaurants must close by 11 pm for both indoor and outdoor dining. To go and take out can continue after 11 pm.
Beginning May 1, 2021:
All restaurants, entertainment, recreation, and theaters will be subject to a 12:00 AM closing time.
Do the gathering restriction fines apply to restaurants?
In general, restaurants adhering to both capacity limits and gathering size restrictions would not be subject to these fines. For example, a restaurant with total reservations of 40 guests indoors (no party larger than 100) and in accordance with capacity restrictions, would not be in violation. A restaurant accepting a party of 110 people indoors (in one group even if they are at different tables), would be in violation.
Restaurants should also be aware of the mask requirement. Businesses are responsible for their employees and could be fined if employees violate the mask order.
The EO addressing fines for violations can be found HERE.
In general, restaurants adhering to both capacity limits and gathering size restrictions would not be subject to these fines. For example, a restaurant with total reservations of 40 guests indoors (no party larger than 100) and in accordance with capacity restrictions, would not be in violation. A restaurant accepting a party of 110 people indoors (in one group even if they are at different tables), would be in violation.
Restaurants should also be aware of the mask requirement. Businesses are responsible for their employees and could be fined if employees violate the mask order.
The EO addressing fines for violations can be found HERE.
* NOTE: The CRA makes every effort to update FAQ's regularly. However, in case of a discrepancy, we strongly recommend you reference Reopening Rules which the state updates periodically and the Governor's Executive Orders, which take precedence over any guidance provided here. In some cases, local municipalities may have requirements or specifications that go above and beyond state mandates.
