HARRISBURG, Pa. – Restaurants may open their doors again for indoor dining on Monday, January 4. However, internal capacity depends on whether the establishment is self-certified or not.
The secretary of the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED), Dennis Davin, reminded restaurants that, starting on Monday, at 8 am, they will be able to open at 50% capacity if they have completed the online self-certification process.
“Self-certification is a simple way to promote an establishment’s commitment to the health and safety of its customers,” said Sec. Davin. “As we enter a new year with a vaccine to contribute to COVID-19 mitigation efforts, the Wolf Administration is hopeful and eager to support restaurants as much as possible to get back to business as normal.”
According to the authorities, the self-certification process is open to all restaurants, private social clubs and food service companies that serve dinners and eat at a regular capacity, not events.
Social detachment, masking and other mitigation measures must still be employed to protect workers and customers.
The authorities say the municipalities that have implemented more restrictive mitigation efforts remain in place.
In addition, starting on Monday, restaurants, private social clubs and food service companies serving alcoholic beverages for consumption on site must end alcohol sales by 11pm and all alcoholic drinks must be picked up from customers by midnight.
Alcohol consumption on site is prohibited, except during a meal; take-out cocktails and drinks to go are allowed, officials say.
The occurrence of inspections regularly scheduled or based on complaints from inspection agencies will not be affected by the certification status; in fact, certification proves that a company is committed to protecting employees and providing customers with a safe dining experience.
The Wolf Administration launched FAQs as a reference for restaurant owners and the public, along with updated restaurant guidelines.
Business owners with additional questions about the self-certification program can contact [email protected].