Montclair Restaurants Can Reopen Outdoors (See Some Here)

MONTCLAIR, NJ — Gov. Phil Murphy says restaurants can reopen outdoors – with restrictions – on June 15. And already, several in Montclair have begun to awaken (see below).

On Tuesday evening, Montclair Township officials released a set of guidelines for local restaurants that want to get the ball rolling again after the coronavirus shutdown.

>> New NJ Coronavirus Rules: Here's What Can Be Done Inside, Outside

Like others in New Jersey, Montclair’s eateries will have to follow state regulations, officials noted:

“The state has now issued guidance including requirements that tables are located six feet from each other, only eight customers are allowed at each table, employees and patrons (except while eating) must wear face coverings, and the business must post signs telling patrons that they should not dine if they have any symptoms of illness.”

In Montclair, restaurants that want to create so-called “sidewalk cafés” must be licensed, officials said.

“All efforts will be made by the Montclair Health Department to expedite the review and processing of permit applications,” town officials stated. “Should you have any questions please contact the Montclair Health Department at 973-509-4970.”

The process includes:

1. All retail food establishments wishing to obtain a Sidewalk Café license for the first time must complete and submit a full application to be reviewed by the Montclair Health Department.

2. All retail food establishments wishing to renew a Sidewalk Café license for 2020 must complete a Sidewalk Café renewal application.

3. All first-time applicants must submit two scaled drawings of the Sidewalk Café, one which shows adherence to the requirements set in place by Executive Order 150, and one detailing the Café during standard operation when the restrictions are lifted. Retail food establishments, which had previously applied and submitted a Café plan, must submit an updated COVID-19-specific plan.

4. For 2020, the prohibition of expanding a Sidewalk Café to neighboring storefronts has been relaxed. Expansion is limited to adjacent storefronts only unless a special permit has been obtained through the Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control which specifies otherwise. Should a retail food establishment wish to expand its Sidewalk Café, written permission from the respective property and business owners must be obtained, and documentation shall be submitted to the Montclair Health Department. Liability insurance must be updated to include adjacent storefront owners.

5. Any retail food establishment with on-premises retail consumption of alcoholic beverages is eligible to apply for a temporary permit, known as the COVID-19 Expansion of Premises Permit. This permit is issued by the Division of Alcoholic Beverages Control.

MONTCLAIR RESTAURANTS: WHO'S BEEN REOPENING?

Last week, we asked Montclair restaurants to share their outdoor reopening plans for June 15. Here's what a few of them said:

• "We are open for outdoor dinning at Cafe Moso in Montclair, starting June 16 from 12 to 9 p.m."
• "De Novo European Pub at 275 Bellevue Avenue will be open starting June 16 from 4 to 9 p.m. for outdoor and patio seating."
• "Our terrace will be open for outdoor dining! Call for more information (973) 783-6800 - Hunan Taste Montclair (4 Alvin Place)."
• "La Rocca at 21 Midland Avenue will be open for sidewalk dining on Monday, June 15. Reservations recommended. Call 973-746-0707."

Another local favorite, Tierney's Tavern, said that it's outdoor area will be ready to go on Monday afternoon, starting at 3 p.m.

Have plans to reopen outdoors in Montclair? Leave the info in the comments section below, or reach out to eric.kiefer@patch.com.

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