Allegheny County Details Lenten Fish Fry Guidelines

PITTSBURGH, PA — Unlike many other events that have been canceled or postponed because of the coronavirus outbreak, popular Lenten fish fries will occur this year in Allegheny County. But the county health department is strongly encouraging fish fry organizers to offer take-out
service and online or phone orders to limit crowds and possible exposure to the coronavirus.

The health department also is reminding organizers that all fish fries allowing in-person dining must follow COVID-19 safety requirements and guidance for restaurants from the state.

The requirements include but are not limited to:

• Restricting indoor dining capacity to 50 percent if a facility has completed the state’s self-certification process or 25 percent if it has not.

• Requiring any outdoor seating area to have two open sides.

• Requiring employees wear face coverings at all times and requiring customers wear face coverings except when seated at their own tables.

• Spacing parties at least six feet apart and prohibiting bar or counter seating.

• Only serving alcohol with food and ending alcohol sales by 11 p.m. and alcohol consumption by 12 a.m.

Fish fries are strongly encouraged to offer take-out service and online or phone orders to limit crowds and possible exposure to the coronavirus.

The health department is reminding fish fry sponsors that they must have a valid health permit to operate, a requirement for all food facilities in the county - even temporary fish fries.

Sponsors that do not already have a valid health permit will need to complete a temporary permit application and provide the permit fee to the health department no later than Feb. 12. The temporary permit application can be found on the health department’s website for seasonal or temporary food facilities.

The fee for a temporary permit is $47 and should be included with the application.

Lent begins on Feb. 17. Easter occurs on April 4.