New York, New Jersey and Connecticut to Lift Most Industry Capacity Restrictions Beginning May 19 Given Vaccination Progress and COVID-19 Case Decline
Business Capacity Limits to Be Replaced with Space Available to Maintain Six Feet of Social Distancing on May 19 in New York and New Jersey
Outdoor Social Gathering Limit Increases to 500 on May 10 in New York; Indoor Social Gathering Limit Increases to 250 on May 19 in New York
Outdoor Residential Gathering Limit is Removed and Indoor Residential Gathering Limit Increases to 50 on May 19 in New York
Large-Scale Indoor Venue Capacity Increases to 30% and Large-Scale Outdoor Venue Capacity Increases to 33% on May 19, Proof of Vaccination or Recent Negative Test Still Required in New York
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy and Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont today announced a significant easing of COVID-19 pandemic restrictions on the region’s businesses, venues and gatherings given significant progress in vaccinations and sustained reduction in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations.
“The tide is turning against COVID-19 in New York, and thanks to our increasing vaccination rates, as well as our successful, data-based regional approach, we’re able to take more steps to reopen our economy, help businesses and workers, and keep moving towards returning to normal,” Governor Cuomo said. “Thanks to the hard work of New Yorkers and our partners in government, we are now able to increase capacity limits for businesses, event venues and residences to reflect what we’re seeing in the COVID data. Maintaining this progress is critical and in order to keep moving in a positive direction, New Yorkers must continue to take all the proper precautions. If we let up now, we could slide backwards and that is something nobody wants. So, let’s be safe and for anyone who has yet to be vaccinated, please do so as soon as you can. With the addition of walk-in appointments, we’ve made it as easy as every to get your shot, so there are truly no excuses.”
Read Updated Guidance From the NYS Liquor Authority HERE and below:
As of April 29, the requirement that bars and restaurants serve an item of food with purchase of the first on premises alcoholic beverage is no longer in place.
This means that patrons can consume alcoholic beverages on premises
without ever purchasing food.
This does not change the requirement that an item of food be purchased with
any to-go sale of alcoholic beverages at an on-premises retailer.
As of May 3, seating at bars and counters (as opposed to tables) in NYC may resume.
As of May 7, NYC will go to 75% capacity indoors – the same as the Long Island and the rest of the state.
As of May 17, the 12 midnight closing time for outdoor dining areas will be removed.
This means that outdoor areas must close at the earlier of any stipulated closing
time on the business’ license or the county on premises closing time.
In NYC, any area which is part of the Open Streets Program must close at
midnight.
As of May 31, the 12 midnight closing time for indoor dining areas will be removed.
This means that indoor areas must close at the earlier of any stipulated closing
time on the business’ license or the county on premises closing time.
