By: KDKA-TV News Staff
HARRISBURG (KDKA) – Citing the countdown of cases and the increase in vaccination rates, Governor Tom Wolf is loosening some restrictions on restaurants and other businesses, as well as increasing collection limits.
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As of April 4, restaurants can resume bar service and alcoholic beverages can be purchased without food. There is also no curfew to remove drinks from tables.
The capacity for covered meals will be increased to 75% in restaurants that go through the self-certification process. Outdoor dining, pick-up on the sidewalk and take-out food are still encouraged, and there are still requirements such as wearing a mask and social distance.
“I am thrilled because it is a very positive step in the right direction for all businesses in Pennsylvania,” said Colin Serto, owner of Sienna Mercato.
Capacity for other businesses, such as personal service facilities, gyms, casinos, theaters and shopping malls, will also be increased to 75% occupancy on April 4.
📢 From April 4:
➡️ restaurants can resume bar service
➡️ Alcohol service will be allowed without food purchase
➡️ curfew to remove alcohol from raised tables
➡️ internal dining capacity increased to 75% for restaurants that are self-certified pic.twitter.com/XCHDCVvy05– Department of Health PA (@PAHealthDept) March 15, 2021
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“Like all other restaurants, we definitely suffer. We saw fewer people arriving. It was difficult, but we got over it and we are ready to move on and start having more people here, ”said Serto.
When it comes to meetings, indoor events will have a maximum occupancy of 25% and outdoor events will be allowed 50%. This is an increase over the 15% internal and 25% external that the governor just implemented at the beginning of the month.
Wolf’s announcement is good news for wedding / event planner Caitlyn Wimer. His company, JPC Event Group, made 60 weddings in 2020. They were supposed to make 150.
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At the moment, they have 118 scheduled.
“This is very useful,” said Wimer. “Many of our couples are very excited about this. And many people who postponed actually came back and asked if they could go ahead with the initial meeting, which is exciting. “
Entrepreneur John Graf expects his wedding venues to have a bigger boost soon.
“What we expect is to increase capacity to 50% as soon as possible,” said Graf. “And then look at the data and start from there.”
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House Republicans in Harrisburg criticized the governor’s announcement, saying aid did not come soon and did not go far enough for workers and small businesses.