Massachusetts Restaurant Rule Changes Go Into Effect Today

MASSACHUSETTS — Changes that allow for bar seating at restaurants and increase the number of people who can sit at a table take effect Monday, a needed boost for a beleaguered industry trying to find level footing as the weather turns.

Up to 10 people will be able to sit at an indoor or outdoor restaurant table — an increase from six — while bar seating will for the first time since early March reopen for people ordering food, Gov. Charlie Baker announced last week. Bars and nightclubs will remain closed.

Other social distancing guidelines and mandates, including indoor capacity limitations, remain in effect.

Still, every little bit helps for a hobbled industry trying to make ends meet while often doing less than half of normal business.

"These are welcome additions to the restaurant reopen guidelines," said Steve Clark, vice president of government affairs for the Massachusetts Restaurant Association, in a statement to Patch. "Operators and the MRA have been advocating for these for a while, and we are pleased that they have been formalized today. We hope that these changes will continue to show guests that restaurants are safe places to dine."

The easing of restrictions comes as state health officials keep a watchful eye on slowly increasing coronavirus numbers. There were over 1,000 newly confirmed coronavirus cases over the weekend.