Nutley Businesses May Struggle With NJ’s New COVID Rules: Chamber

NUTLEY, NJ — The “second wave” of the coronavirus isn’t just a threat to people – it looms heavily for Nutley’s small businesses, too.

Last week, amid a rise in cases of the virus across the state, Gov. Phil Murphy announced that restaurants and bars will have to stop all indoor service by 10 p.m. and nix seating at the bar. Outdoor dining, takeout and delivery services can continue beyond 10 p.m., and enclosed, heated tents can be put up outside.

The new rules began Nov. 12.

• See related article: Nutley Bars, Restaurants Face New COVID Rules From NJ – Again

In Nutley, many of the town’s small business owners have managed to hang on and keep the wolves from the door over the past nine months. But the latest state crackdown may be a hurdle that they can’t survive again, according to Kevin Knight, vice president of the local chamber of commerce.

“Things were allowed to open up more once we hit September, but now, things have been rolled back,” Knight told Patch. “Some of the businesses that were lucky enough to hang on and survive through the spring and summer now may not make it through the fall and winter with continued reduced capacity and reduced hours again.”

Knight advised local business owners to “adapt, reinvent and re-imagine their business plans,” as well as how they serve the community.

“Business owners also need to take the time now, more than ever, to update and finetune their website, offer their products and services for sale online, and be very active on social media to stay relevant and in the forefront of the minds on potential consumers,” Knight opined.

Residents and the community can help by supporting local businesses and doing their holiday shopping in Nutley, Knight said.

Getting your holiday food and meals exclusively from Nutley eateries won’t hurt, either, he added.

Are you a local business owner trying to survive amid the pandemic? List your information at Patch's Local Business Information Center here. Let us know how COVID-19 is affecting YOU in the comments section, or reach out to eric.kiefer@patch.com.

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