Michigan Indoor Dining Could Reopen Feb. 1, Restaurant Group Says

MICHIGAN — Indoor dining could resume on Feb. 1 in Michigan, according to a restaurant group that cited conversations with the governor's office.

The Michigan Licensed Beverage Association said in a Facebook post Tuesday that after the group had conversations with the governor's office, it expects Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to announce Wednesday that indoor dining will reopen in Michigan on Feb. 1.

"The reopening would likely take place beginning February 1, giving owners time to work with supply chain and figure out staffing," the group said in the post. "It will likely include a limited capacity and curfew, and then possibilities for restaurants that take additional public health measures to have a higher capacity limit."

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Patch has reached out to the governor's office for comment.

Michigan's ban on in-person dining is set to expire Friday. It was extended on Dec. 18, when Whitmer's administration announced it was allowing schools to reopen to in-person instruction on Jan. 18 and also allowing casinos and other businesses to open.

Whitmer first announced a ban on indoor dining at Michigan eateries and other restrictions Nov. 15 after the state saw a significant uptick in new cases and deaths stemming from the coronavirus.

The order took effect Nov. 18 but was extended 12 days prior to expiring.

The restrictions have led to legal arguments and backlash from many Michigan businesses and restaurant associations.