Arizona Governor Doug Ducey lifted capacity restrictions at gyms, restaurants and other businesses on Friday.
Ducey cites the decline in COVID-19 cases and the launch of the vaccine, while he eases the pandemic restrictions that have affected life for almost a year.
The lifting of capacity restrictions applies to gyms, restaurants, theaters, water parks, bowling alleys and bars with catering services.
Arizona does not have a masking mandate across the state. But most local governments have implemented them and they have not been affected by Ducey’s last request.
Despite being legally allowed to resume operations at 100% capacity, two restaurants are being cautious about allowing more customers to enter due to health issues and other state guidelines that put the brakes on a full restaurant.
Governor Ducey said that even without capacity limitations, restaurants and businesses still need to adhere to the six-foot social spacing guidelines.
“You still need that extra space to make sure you’re doing the necessary social detachment,” said Summer Anesin, owner of Little O’s restaurants. “With the 6 foot spacing restrictions, there will not be many opportunities for 100% capacity.”
The need for social distance, in most cases, naturally negates the ability to return to full capacity.
“We still like the fear factor that people have and they like security, we didn’t want to be like, ‘Bam! Free for everyone,'” said Anesin.
“There is no way I can do 100%,” said Silvana Esparza, owner of Barrio Café. “Even if I could, I wouldn’t do it. Wouldn’t it be ethically right, the right thing to do to put people in danger?”
The Arizona Restaurant Association is ecstatic at the governor’s decision.
“Restaurants across Arizona have done an incredible job of implementing mitigation measures, protecting customers and employees and staying flexible,” said Arizona Restaurant Association President and CEO Steve Chucri. “Limited occupancy and mitigation measures have been in place for many months – our restaurants know what to do. Today’s order to lift occupation restrictions will help Arizona’s restaurant industry thrive, while maintaining community security through mitigation measures. Thanks to Governor Ducey for working to protect the Arizonans and our economy. “