Rochester, N.Y. — The rise in COVID cases locally means even more restrictions for restaurants in Monroe County.
Restaurants are still only allowed to be at 50 percent capacity, but now they will also be limited to serving up to four people per table. Bars and restaurants will also be required to close by midnight.
Officials hope the adjustments will help stop the spread COVID. But restaurant owners say they mean another hit on an already-struggling industry.
“Fifty percent capacity, where we are now – you can’t make your numbers. You aren’t meeting your margins at that already. Now, continuing to limit what we can do, is just going to make things worse,” said Kelly Bush, co-owner of Marshall Street Bar and Grill and president of the New York State Restaurant Association’s Rochester chapter.
Blu Wolf Bistro owner Jason Snyder agrees and says limiting four customers per table will be even more difficult in the seasons ahead.
“The restrictions will be difficult going into the winter. The limited seating and keeping it a party of four will be really difficult for restaurants,” he said.
Eateries are not the main culprit behind rising COVID cases, local officials have said. Monroe County Health Commissioner Dr. Michael Mendoza blames them on small and large private gatherings, many during Halloween.
Still, dining out makes Richard Bird of East Rochester a bit wary.
“Maybe if we want to go out, maybe concentrate on the outdoor dining, but that may be difficult in the weeks coming up,” he said.
The City of Rochester says it will work with restaurants to make outdoor dining in winter less difficult by giving free permits for tents and heaters.
“It’s about broadening their footprint being able to have more access to space that they don’t have inside, and, again, it’s specifically targeted to help issues like four people to a table,” said Gary Kirkmire, the city’s commissioner of business development.
City officials are also working with community organizations to fund free tents and heaters to help keep more restaurants in business.
“Everyone is really nervous right now in the restaurant industry,” Bush said.
via 13WHAM