Newark Restaurants Can Reopen Outdoors: Here's How To Apply

NEWARK, NJ — Gov. Phil Murphy says that New Jersey’s restaurants can start to reopen from the coronavirus shutdown and serve customers outdoors on June 15. So what will the grand reopening look like in Newark?

Since mid-March, Murphy has ordered that restaurants offer takeout and delivery only. But as part of the state’s three-phase plan to reopen, restaurants will be allowed to serve a limited number of dine-in customers at 6 a.m. on Monday – as long as they sit outdoors.

Customers will still be banned from eating inside the restaurant, and must wear face masks if they go inside to use the bathroom or pick up a takeout order. Patrons with “medical reasons” or children under two don’t have to wear masks.

There are a few other rules, according to the governor’s office. Some include:

• Tables must be located 6 feet from each other
• Only eight customers are allowed at each table
• Employees must wear face masks and pass daily health checks
• No self-service options such as buffets, salad bars or drink stations are allowed
• All tables, chairs and menus must be disinfected after each use
• Signs must be posted at the entrance that say nobody with a fever or symptoms of COVID-19 should enter

Each city or town can decide for itself how to let restaurants and bars safely open outdoors, whether it’s on a sidewalk, in a street or at a park.

Restaurants with liquor licenses can apply for temporary permission to set up outdoor drinking areas with the New Jersey Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC). It’s the responsibility of the licensee to comply with local ordinances and site plan requirements.

• Read the full text of executive order 150
• Read the New Jersey Department of Health guidelines for outdoor dining

REOPENING RESTAURANTS IN NEWARK

Newark's own plan to reopen also enters phase two on June 15.

The city will allow outdoor dining under the state's guidelines, and will continue to allow takeout and curbside pickup. All Newark businesses have to file an application to reopen through the city (learn more here).

Newark restaurants that want to reopen must provide personal protective equipment for their employees and require the same of customers.

• See related article: Newark Coronavirus Reopening (When And How)

When will local restaurants be allowed to let people eat indoors? Possibly by June 29, when the third phase of Newark's plan starts.

Under the city's plan, Newark restaurants will be allowed to reopen for dine-in services, as long as they keep their seating capacity under 25 percent. Restaurants will also have to abide by these rules:

• Employers must screen employees for temperature
• Strict social distancing (6 feet apart and with face masks) must be observed by employees and customers
• Personal protective equipment must be worn in waiting areas, restrooms or other common spaces

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