Ridgewood Officials, Business Community React To New Restrictions

RIDGEWOOD, NJ — Earlier this week, Gov. Phil Murphy clarified new regulations for bars, restaurants and other businesses as coronavirus cases and hospitalizations rise across the state.

In Ridgewood, Mayor Susan Knudsen said any new regulations limiting businesses will obviously have an impact, but noted that support from the village will continue.

"I believe the collaboration between Village officials and local businesses has been unprecedented and beneficial to our entire Ridgewood community," she said, in an email to Patch.

Knudsen added that though the Village Council has offered support and swift modifications to ordinances — like Ridgewood's pedestrian mall — they can only do so much.

She said the modifications and collaboration have allowed businesses to "manage during these difficult and challenging times, albeit with a significant decrease to business."

As the weather continues to cool down, outdoor dining will present new challenges too, as will the current spike in cases that many experts predicted.

Ridgewood Chamber of Commerce President Scott Lief said the newest restrictions shouldn't surprise anyone, given the recent spike in cases.

"I think that many fell into a sense of malaise over the summer. Outdoor cafés popped up, restaurants were able to keep serving, and numbers were on the decline," he said.

"When we put together the pedestrian mall in Ridgewood, we had a great deal of discussion about what happens when we get to November. There have been warnings about a spike in the fall, that are now a reality," Lief added.

With cases spiking, increased regulations present an added element of concern for restaurants already struggling to stay afloat.

Knudsen said a "core group" of village officials are continuing weekly meetings with the business community. The village is also discussing additional options for restaurants during cold weather months, such as heated dining igloos and greenhouses.

The pedestrian mall will remain open indefinitely, weather permitting.

Creativity, Lief said, is mandatory until a vaccine is available.

"We are continuing to look for innovative ways to keep the outdoor seating going as long as possible," he said. "Until a vaccine is out in the public, we have to find safe and creative ways to keep the business community’s lights on and doors open."

New regulations for restaurants, bars, clubs, lounges and casinos include:

• Businesses that serve food or drinks will not be able to operate their indoor premises between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m.
• Outdoor dining can continue after 10 p.m., as can takeout and delivery services.
• Casinos will not be able to serve food or drinks between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m., except for room service delivered to guest rooms and takeout.
• Seating at the physical bar in the indoor areas of bars and restaurants will be prohibited during all operating hours.

READ MORE: Gov. Murphy Clarifies New Rules For NJ Indoor Dining, Barbers