METAIRIE – The state’s new Phase 3 pandemic restrictions will expire on Oct. 9. Below are the highlights as identified by the Louisiana Restaurant Association. Note that these rules don’t apply to Orleans Parish:
As stated yesterday, restaurants will be able to increase capacity to 75% with social distancing requirements. Restaurants, event centers, reception halls and casinos will now be required to cease alcohol service at 10 p.m. There is no new closing requirement.
RESTAURANTS
Restaurants will now be required to cease alcohol service at 10 p.m. At this time, Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards’ administration could not confirm the restriction for group events in restaurants, but expect it will go from 25 to 50. We anticipate social distancing limits will be expressed in the OpenSafely Phase 3 guidelines, hopefully available within the next 24-48 hours.
BARS
Bars can open – if approved by their parish local government and ONLY in parishes that have a 5 percent or lower positivity of COVID tests over the previous 14 days. The next update is Sept. 16. Currently, there are only five of Louisiana’s 64 parishes that meet this criteria.
Once a parish has met the criteria and is approved, bars can operate with the following conditions:
- No on-demand service at the bar.
- All guests must be seated, no standing room. All drinks must be delivered to guests table by staff.
- No live music.
- Individuals under 21 are not permitted to enter.
- Cannot exceed 25% of occupancy capacity or 50 guests, whichever is less for indoor seating.
- No more than 50 guests if providing outdoor service (which also must be at tables).
- Alcohol service must cease at 10 p.m., and all patrons must depart by 11 p.m.
Weddings, private gatherings and receptions are limited to 50% capacity with no more than 250 guests.
Casinos remain at 50% capacity and 75% of gaming positions.
All social distancing and mask requirements remain.
