PA Restaurants Can Increase Indoor Dining Capacity: Governor

HARRISBURG, PA — Pennsylvania restaurants can increase indoor capacity to 50 percent occupancy starting Sept.21, Gov. Wolf announced Tuesday.

Restaurants that expand capacity must commit to strictly complying to all public health safety guidelines and orders through a self-certification process, the state said.

Wolf, in a statement, said while it is critical the state continues to keep case counts low, "we must also support the retail food services industry that has struggled throughout this pandemic."

He said the self-certification process "ensures that restaurants can expand indoor operations and commit to all appropriate orders so that employees and customers alike can be confident they are properly protected.”

The self-certification documents will include a statement that the owner has reviewed and agrees to follow the requirements in the state's restaurant industry guidance. Additionally, restaurants must state the business' maximum indoor occupancy number based on the fire code, as well as a statement that the owner understands that the certification is subject to penalties if falsified.

Any restaurant that wishes to increase to 50 percent indoor capacity on Sept. 21 must complete the online self-certification process by Oct. 5, the state said. Restaurants operating at 50 percent capacity will have their self-certification status checked as part of ongoing enforcement starting on Oct.5.

Restaurants that self-certify will appear in the Open & Certified Pennsylvania searchable online database of certified restaurants across the commonwealth. The database can be used by patrons to find certified businesses in their area. The process is aimed to ensure that consumers make more informed choices about the food establishments they are looking to patronize, the state said in an announcement.

Restaurants that self-certify will be mailed Open & Certified Pennsylvania branded materials, such as window clings and other signage designating their certification, which they can display for customers and employees.

Restaurant owners with additional questions about the self-certification program can contact covidselfcert@pa.gov.

More information can be found here.