New Order From Governor Says Bars Can Only Serve Alcohol With Food

During a conference call to the media to address updates on the state of the coronavirus pandemic in New York, Governor Andrew Cuomo mentioned that there would be a new regulation concerning dining out.

Bars are now only allowed to serve patrons alcohol if they ordered food at the same time and there would be no standing bar service.

He is quoted, saying:

“All establishments must only serve alcohol to people who are also ordering food. The concept here was bars and restaurants would be allowed to do outdoor dining. That is a dining situation. You go with several people, you sit at a table and you have a meal. That would limit the exposure to the people at that table and then the tables are socially distanced. That’s if you’re eating a meal. If you’re not eating a meal and you’re just drinking, then it’s just an outdoor bar and people are mingling and they’re not isolated and individual tables, and that’s what we’re seeing. Also, no walk-up bar service — all service at bar tops must be only for seated patrons who are socially distanced by six feet.”

The amendment is due to the thousands of complaints from New Yorkers. Bars / restaurants found in violation will risk losing their liquor license.

Breweries and Wineries are also going to be held accountable, the food requirements will still apply to tastings.

Commenting further, he said:

“Our intention was always about outdoor dining, with tables being socially distanced — that’s what we approved,” Gov. Cuomo said on the afternoon conference call Thursday. “We did not approve outdoor bars with 100 people mingling outside in a block party. If they think outdoor dining meant outdoor bar, they’re wrong.”

Source:
RochesterFirst.com