Reopening Information & Resources
New York City Reopening Resources
Airborne Infectious Disease Exposure Prevention Model Plan Must Be In Place by 8/5
August 5, 2021
The New York State HERO Act became effective on July 4, 2021 relating to employer obligations to implement an airborne infectious disease exposure prevention plan. With little fanfare, New York State Department of Labor (“DOL”) released guidance and model plans for these specific industries. In that guidance, it stated that all industries must have a model plan in place by August 5. Food service providers around the State may simply use the model plan released by the DOL which can be found here: - https://dol.ny.gov/system/files/documents/2021/07/p765f-ny-hero-act-food-services-exposure-prevention-plan.pdfAgriculture.
It’s important for employers to remember that these plans should be placed in all employee handbooks as well as posted conspicuously in areas where employees congregate. While these plans only need to be in effect during a specific State of Emergency, and we currently are not in one, restaurants are still required to have a plan in place.
Governor Lifts Remaining Capacity Restrictions and Social Distancing Requirements as State hits 70%
June 15, 2021
Today, Governor Cuomo announced that the State has hit the 70% mark for adults over the age of 18 who have had at least one vaccination shot. This means that effective immediately, restaurants no longer have any capacity restrictions in place nor do they have to separate tables by 6 feet and follow other social distancing measures.
This represents the biggest step yet in getting back to normal after the last 15 months. Those individuals who remain unvaccinated are still supposed to wear masks when in public but restaurants are under no requirement to ask patrons what their status is.
We will continue to provide updates as we get more information and see the new regulations in writing. This is great news for an industry that has been knocked down repeatedly over the last year plus and still has a long way to go to full recovery, but we can finally start to put this difficult period behind us. The full press release on the lifting of the State’s COVID-19 restrictions can be found here.
Governor’s Office Releases Updated Food Service Guidance
June 9, 2021
Today, the Governor’s office released the updated guidance for food service establishments operating outside of New York City. This guidance will be in effect until 70% of all adults over the age of 18 have had at least one vaccination shot. As of this afternoon, the State was at 69.1% and should hit this threshold soon, so we do not anticipate this guidance being in place for too long. We also expect the New York City specific guidance to be released later today.
The full guidance can be viewed here, some of the highlights include;
Cuomo Announces Removal of Restrictions when NY Hits 70% Vaccination Rate
June 7, 2021
Governor Cuomo announced that most of the remaining COVID-19 restrictions will be lifted once 70% of New Yorkers aged 18 or older have received the first dose of their COVID-19 vaccination series. The State's New York Forward industry specific guidelines -- including capacity restrictions, social distancing, cleaning and disinfection, health screening, and contact information for tracing -- will become optional for retail, food services, offices, gyms and fitness centers, amusement and family entertainment, hair salons, barber shops and personal care services, among other commercial settings. Large-scale event venues, pre-K to 12 schools, public transit, homeless shelters, correctional facilities, nursing homes, and healthcare settings must continue to follow the State's guidelines until more New Yorkers are vaccinated. Read the full press release here. New York’s current statewide vaccination rate is 68.6%.
NYS Guidance for Businesses On Recent Changes to Mask Requirements
New York State issued guidance for businesses on the recent changes to mask requirements. The guidance discusses “businesses that congregate patrons”. For purposes of this guidance: restaurants, bars, and catered events of fewer than 250 people indoors or 500 people outdoors are NOT considered businesses that congregate patrons.
Read the guidance on masks here.
UPDATES May 3, 2021:
Governor Cuomo announced more changes to the capacity limits for our industry. Read the press release here. To simplify the information, here are the changes announced in date order:
Effective May 3:
UPDATES April 28, 2021:
Food With Alcohol No Longer Required
Both the New York State Senate and Assembly unanimously passed resolutions that rescind the directive from the Governor that required alcohol to only be sold alongside food. This has been a top priority of the Association since getting the curfew pushed back. It takes effect immediately.
NYSRA Letter to Governor, Senate Majority Leader and Speaker of Assembly Urging Them to Fix State Unemployment Insurance Rate Issue
April 19, 2021
NYSRA sent a letter today to Governor Cuomo, Senate Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins and Speaker of the Assembly Heastie, urging them to work immediately and collaboratively to rectify the issue of substantial UI rate increases that restaurants across the state have received. Read full letter here. Read press release here.
August 5, 2021
The New York State HERO Act became effective on July 4, 2021 relating to employer obligations to implement an airborne infectious disease exposure prevention plan. With little fanfare, New York State Department of Labor (“DOL”) released guidance and model plans for these specific industries. In that guidance, it stated that all industries must have a model plan in place by August 5. Food service providers around the State may simply use the model plan released by the DOL which can be found here: - https://dol.ny.gov/system/files/documents/2021/07/p765f-ny-hero-act-food-services-exposure-prevention-plan.pdfAgriculture.
It’s important for employers to remember that these plans should be placed in all employee handbooks as well as posted conspicuously in areas where employees congregate. While these plans only need to be in effect during a specific State of Emergency, and we currently are not in one, restaurants are still required to have a plan in place.
Governor Lifts Remaining Capacity Restrictions and Social Distancing Requirements as State hits 70%
June 15, 2021
Today, Governor Cuomo announced that the State has hit the 70% mark for adults over the age of 18 who have had at least one vaccination shot. This means that effective immediately, restaurants no longer have any capacity restrictions in place nor do they have to separate tables by 6 feet and follow other social distancing measures.
This represents the biggest step yet in getting back to normal after the last 15 months. Those individuals who remain unvaccinated are still supposed to wear masks when in public but restaurants are under no requirement to ask patrons what their status is.
We will continue to provide updates as we get more information and see the new regulations in writing. This is great news for an industry that has been knocked down repeatedly over the last year plus and still has a long way to go to full recovery, but we can finally start to put this difficult period behind us. The full press release on the lifting of the State’s COVID-19 restrictions can be found here.
Governor’s Office Releases Updated Food Service Guidance
June 9, 2021
Today, the Governor’s office released the updated guidance for food service establishments operating outside of New York City. This guidance will be in effect until 70% of all adults over the age of 18 have had at least one vaccination shot. As of this afternoon, the State was at 69.1% and should hit this threshold soon, so we do not anticipate this guidance being in place for too long. We also expect the New York City specific guidance to be released later today.
The full guidance can be viewed here, some of the highlights include;
- The lifting of all social distancing and capacity measures for vaccinated individuals at bars and restaurants.
- Individuals who are unvaccinated or have an unknown vaccination status are still required to wear masks and socially distance.
- For restaurants and events under the social gathering limit, businesses do not need to verify vaccination status and can operate on the honor system.
- All vaccinated employees may work without wearing masks and without the need to be socially distanced.
- There is no longer a restriction on the number of people per table, but social distancing is required if multiple parties are placed at a communal table at a restaurant.
- Contact tracing requirements for events are now limited to events over the social gathering limit, and no longer require date of birth to be collected.
- Buffets can open as normal but must have a staff person stationed nearby to observe.
- Pre-rolling silverware is no longer required.
- Events over the 250-person indoor social gathering limit and 500-person outdoor social gathering limit, testing and vaccination verification remain in place.
- The lifting of all social distancing and capacity measures for vaccinated individuals at events under the 250-person indoor social gathering limit and 500-person outdoor social gathering limit.
Cuomo Announces Removal of Restrictions when NY Hits 70% Vaccination Rate
June 7, 2021
Governor Cuomo announced that most of the remaining COVID-19 restrictions will be lifted once 70% of New Yorkers aged 18 or older have received the first dose of their COVID-19 vaccination series. The State's New York Forward industry specific guidelines -- including capacity restrictions, social distancing, cleaning and disinfection, health screening, and contact information for tracing -- will become optional for retail, food services, offices, gyms and fitness centers, amusement and family entertainment, hair salons, barber shops and personal care services, among other commercial settings. Large-scale event venues, pre-K to 12 schools, public transit, homeless shelters, correctional facilities, nursing homes, and healthcare settings must continue to follow the State's guidelines until more New Yorkers are vaccinated. Read the full press release here. New York’s current statewide vaccination rate is 68.6%.
NYS Guidance for Businesses On Recent Changes to Mask Requirements
New York State issued guidance for businesses on the recent changes to mask requirements. The guidance discusses “businesses that congregate patrons”. For purposes of this guidance: restaurants, bars, and catered events of fewer than 250 people indoors or 500 people outdoors are NOT considered businesses that congregate patrons.
Read the guidance on masks here.
UPDATES May 3, 2021:
Governor Cuomo announced more changes to the capacity limits for our industry. Read the press release here. To simplify the information, here are the changes announced in date order:
Effective May 3:
- Seating at bars and bar areas in New York City will be allowed, consistent with the foodservice guidelines.
- Guidance for dancing among attendees at catered events will be aligned with neighboring states. The state guidelines will be updated to reflect this change. In general, it means designated zones will no longer be required, but masks and social distancing will be required.
- Catered events staffed by professional, licensed caterers can take place at residences above the residential gathering limit. We are told that the rules for these events will be consistent with the current on-premise catered event guidelines.
- Capacity for bars and restaurants in NYC increases to 75%, social distancing of six feet is still required or appropriate physical barriers.
- Capacity for NYC indoor catered events will be 75% or 150 people, whichever is less.
- Outdoor Social Gathering Limit Increases to 500. Therefore, no proof of testing or vaccination required for outdoor catered events of 500 or less.
- The curfew for food and beverage service will be lifted for all outdoor dining areas.
- The curfew for all catered events where attendees show proof of vaccination or negative test result will be lifted.
- MTA will begin offering 24-hour service again.
- Capacity limit for bars and restaurants based upon percentage of maximum occupancy is removed, social distancing of six feet is still required or appropriate physical barriers.
- Indoor social gathering limit increases to 250. Therefore, no proof of testing or vaccination required for indoor catered events of 250 or less.
- The curfew for food and beverage service will be lifted for all indoor dining areas.
- The curfew for all catered events will be lifted.
UPDATES April 28, 2021:
Food With Alcohol No Longer Required
Both the New York State Senate and Assembly unanimously passed resolutions that rescind the directive from the Governor that required alcohol to only be sold alongside food. This has been a top priority of the Association since getting the curfew pushed back. It takes effect immediately.
NYSRA Letter to Governor, Senate Majority Leader and Speaker of Assembly Urging Them to Fix State Unemployment Insurance Rate Issue
April 19, 2021
NYSRA sent a letter today to Governor Cuomo, Senate Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins and Speaker of the Assembly Heastie, urging them to work immediately and collaboratively to rectify the issue of substantial UI rate increases that restaurants across the state have received. Read full letter here. Read press release here.
Updated Phase 3 Food Services Guidelines and Phase 4 NYC Indoor Food Service Guidelines
March 26, 2021
At the urging of NYSRA, the State updated the Phase 3 Food Services Guidelines and the Phase 4 NYC Indoor Food Service Guidelines to include the recent increase in the capacity limits and the social gathering limit. This should help clarify the rules for the industry, local health departments, and other enforcement agencies.
Answers from the State to Several Questions RE: Catering Guidelines
March 9, 2021
We received several answers from the State to questions generated by the catering guidelines, read FAQ here.
NYS Liquor Authority Updated (March 5) Indoor Dining Guidance
Updated FAQ here.
Governor Cuomo Increases Indoor Dining Capacity Starting March 19
Restaurants outside of NYC can increase indoor dining capacity to 75%
On March 7, Governor Cuomo announced that all restaurants outside of New York City can increase indoor dining capacity to 75% on March 19. NYSRA has been pushing for an increase to this number as the positivity rate continues to decrease. While we are happy that the Governor listened, we must also keep pushing for equal treatment for NYC restaurants.
Please note: All guidance from the Phase 3 Indoor Dining guidelines still apply, including 6 feet spacing. As a reminder, you’re able to use barriers of 5 ft in height in place of the distancing, which could help you reach 75% capacity. Review guidance here:
Governor Releases Guidance for Expanded Events
This afternoon the Governor’s office released the guidance for larger events that can begin March 15. We encourage all of those impacted by these new rules to read the full guidance here.
EMPLOYER ALERT: Paid COVID-19 Leave Obligations in 2021
January 4, 2021
The most recent COVID stimulus package did not contain any extension of the paid leave obligations contained in the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (passed in March 2020). All of the paid leave provided in the Families First Coronavirus Response Act will expire on December 31, 2020, and employers will not have an obligation to provide those benefits in 2021. With this Federal leave benefit expiring, employers in New York are only required to provide employees with paid COVID-19 leave in limited circumstances. Read Kavinoky Cook employer alert and overview here.
Resources for When an Employee Tests Positive for COVID-19
NYS Liquor Authority Guidance on Closing Hours
Read FAQs HERE.
March 26, 2021
At the urging of NYSRA, the State updated the Phase 3 Food Services Guidelines and the Phase 4 NYC Indoor Food Service Guidelines to include the recent increase in the capacity limits and the social gathering limit. This should help clarify the rules for the industry, local health departments, and other enforcement agencies.
- To view the guidelines for areas outside of New York City, click here.
- For those in New York City, click here.
Answers from the State to Several Questions RE: Catering Guidelines
March 9, 2021
We received several answers from the State to questions generated by the catering guidelines, read FAQ here.
NYS Liquor Authority Updated (March 5) Indoor Dining Guidance
Updated FAQ here.
Governor Cuomo Increases Indoor Dining Capacity Starting March 19
Restaurants outside of NYC can increase indoor dining capacity to 75%
On March 7, Governor Cuomo announced that all restaurants outside of New York City can increase indoor dining capacity to 75% on March 19. NYSRA has been pushing for an increase to this number as the positivity rate continues to decrease. While we are happy that the Governor listened, we must also keep pushing for equal treatment for NYC restaurants.
Please note: All guidance from the Phase 3 Indoor Dining guidelines still apply, including 6 feet spacing. As a reminder, you’re able to use barriers of 5 ft in height in place of the distancing, which could help you reach 75% capacity. Review guidance here:
Governor Releases Guidance for Expanded Events
This afternoon the Governor’s office released the guidance for larger events that can begin March 15. We encourage all of those impacted by these new rules to read the full guidance here.
EMPLOYER ALERT: Paid COVID-19 Leave Obligations in 2021
January 4, 2021
The most recent COVID stimulus package did not contain any extension of the paid leave obligations contained in the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (passed in March 2020). All of the paid leave provided in the Families First Coronavirus Response Act will expire on December 31, 2020, and employers will not have an obligation to provide those benefits in 2021. With this Federal leave benefit expiring, employers in New York are only required to provide employees with paid COVID-19 leave in limited circumstances. Read Kavinoky Cook employer alert and overview here.
Resources for When an Employee Tests Positive for COVID-19
- Guidance for Restaurants Responding to COVID-19 Positive Employee
- Guidance for Employees Returning to Work Following COVID-19 Infection or Exposure
- COVID-19 Employee Self-Assessment Form. The attorneys at Jackson Lewis have provided a template for staff to use prior to working their shift.
NYS Liquor Authority Guidance on Closing Hours
Read FAQs HERE.
National Restaurant Association Updated Restaurant Reopening Guidance
October 23, 2020
The guidance is now called the COVID-19 Safe Operating Guidance and is meant to be used in conjunction with FDA, CDC and state and local requirements. The guide has many new additions most notably there is a new section on preparing workplaces for COVID-19 which addresses layouts and ventilation. Guide available HERE.
NYS Dept. of Labor Releases Guidance and FAQ for New Paid Sick Leave Law
October 22, 2020
The New York State Department of Labor (DOL) released guidance and FAQs regarding the new paid sick leave law for all private sector businesses in the state. Additional regulations are expected from DOL in the coming weeks and we will update you as we receive more information.
SBA Releases Simpler Loan Forgiveness Application for PPP Loans $50,000 or Less
Detailed information available here.
Guidance for Restaurants: Federal WARN Act and COVID-19 Issues
The Workers Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) Act is a federal law requiring employers to provide written notice to various state and local government officials, affected employees, and any union representatives at least 60 days before certain group separations occur. For more information on the federal law, please review the Guidance and FAQ documents provided by the Restaurant Law Center of National Restaurant Association.
October 23, 2020
The guidance is now called the COVID-19 Safe Operating Guidance and is meant to be used in conjunction with FDA, CDC and state and local requirements. The guide has many new additions most notably there is a new section on preparing workplaces for COVID-19 which addresses layouts and ventilation. Guide available HERE.
NYS Dept. of Labor Releases Guidance and FAQ for New Paid Sick Leave Law
October 22, 2020
The New York State Department of Labor (DOL) released guidance and FAQs regarding the new paid sick leave law for all private sector businesses in the state. Additional regulations are expected from DOL in the coming weeks and we will update you as we receive more information.
SBA Releases Simpler Loan Forgiveness Application for PPP Loans $50,000 or Less
Detailed information available here.
Guidance for Restaurants: Federal WARN Act and COVID-19 Issues
The Workers Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) Act is a federal law requiring employers to provide written notice to various state and local government officials, affected employees, and any union representatives at least 60 days before certain group separations occur. For more information on the federal law, please review the Guidance and FAQ documents provided by the Restaurant Law Center of National Restaurant Association.
Restaurants Urge SBA to Protect PPP Rent Forgiveness
The National Restaurant Association submitted comments on September 28 to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to protect PPP loan forgiveness. Read the full letter HERE.
The National Restaurant Association submitted comments on September 28 to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to protect PPP loan forgiveness. Read the full letter HERE.
COVID-19 At-Home Lab Tests Now Available
To help members reopen successfully, the National Restaurant Association has partnered with LetsGetChecked to offer members exclusive, negotiated pricing on COVID-19 tests. LetsGetChecked offers the only FDA authorized 99.7% accurate solution that owns all aspects of the testing process: a comprehensive solution that integrates FDA authorized at-home sample collection, lab testing, result delivery, and patient support. After safely and easily collecting a sample, employees mail the sample to the lab and receive online results within 2-4 business days of reaching the lab.
Please contact Clinton Wolf with any questions. To place an order, contact hospitalityhealth@uhg.com.
How Restaurants Can Handle Potentially Negative Encounters When Customers Refuse to Follow the Mask Policy
The National Restaurant Association’s Restaurant Law Center provides guidance on what restaurant operators can do to handle potentially unpleasant encounters when customers refuse to follow the restaurant’s mask policy. The Q&A covers how operators might handle customers who cite their constitutional rights, claim a disability, or just forgot their masks. Tips include posting precise signage, takeout and curbside service options, and having extra masks on hand. Read Guidance HERE.
State Liquor Authority FAQ on Latest Regulations
The State Liquor Authority posted an FAQ for the recent executive order requiring food to be purchased with an initial order of an alcoholic beverage. Read FAQ (scroll down to Q+A section) HERE.
Guidance for Restaurants Responding to COVID-19 Positive Employee
The Restaurant Law Center has created a document which addresses the question of what to do if an employee is sick as well as what to do for employees who were exposed but are asymptomatic. This document provides the relevant links from the CDC, EEOC, or OSHA for additional guidance. New York State asks that you contact your local health department to report an employee who has COVID 19. Guidance Document HERE.
Majority of New Yorkers in Favor of Permanently Allowing Takeout or Delivery of Alcoholic Beverages from Restaurants
July 7, 2020 - A recent survey conducted by the restaurant industry and shared by the New York State Restaurant Association found that 86% of New York adults are in favor of permanently allowing the purchase of alcoholic beverages with takeout or delivery orders from restaurants. Read full press release HERE.
State Liquor Authority Guideline FAQs
Phase 3 Guidelines for Restaurants
The Governor has released new regulations that outline the safety measures that will need to be put in place to protect restaurant staff and customers. The full guidelines can be read HERE - and all restaurants must read and affirm these guidelines before reopening. Restaurants must also create a Safety Plan, you can download a Safety Plan Template here.
Some highlights of the guidance include:
COVID-19 Safety Measures Sign, download HERE.
NYS Outdoor Dining in Phase 2 Guidelines
In regions that have reached Phase 2, such establishments may open outdoor spaces with seating for customers (i.e. dining and bar spaces indoors cannot open to customers), provided customers can be seated at tables that are appropriately distanced. Furthermore, restaurants with outdoor bar seating can open the area, provided customers can be distanced appropriately. Consumption of any dine-in food and/or beverage must occur at tables or bar tops in these outdoor spaces.
State Liquor Authority - Expanded Outdoor Alcohol Service Guidance
Restaurant Reopening Guidance
To help members reopen successfully, the National Restaurant Association has partnered with LetsGetChecked to offer members exclusive, negotiated pricing on COVID-19 tests. LetsGetChecked offers the only FDA authorized 99.7% accurate solution that owns all aspects of the testing process: a comprehensive solution that integrates FDA authorized at-home sample collection, lab testing, result delivery, and patient support. After safely and easily collecting a sample, employees mail the sample to the lab and receive online results within 2-4 business days of reaching the lab.
Please contact Clinton Wolf with any questions. To place an order, contact hospitalityhealth@uhg.com.
How Restaurants Can Handle Potentially Negative Encounters When Customers Refuse to Follow the Mask Policy
The National Restaurant Association’s Restaurant Law Center provides guidance on what restaurant operators can do to handle potentially unpleasant encounters when customers refuse to follow the restaurant’s mask policy. The Q&A covers how operators might handle customers who cite their constitutional rights, claim a disability, or just forgot their masks. Tips include posting precise signage, takeout and curbside service options, and having extra masks on hand. Read Guidance HERE.
State Liquor Authority FAQ on Latest Regulations
The State Liquor Authority posted an FAQ for the recent executive order requiring food to be purchased with an initial order of an alcoholic beverage. Read FAQ (scroll down to Q+A section) HERE.
Guidance for Restaurants Responding to COVID-19 Positive Employee
The Restaurant Law Center has created a document which addresses the question of what to do if an employee is sick as well as what to do for employees who were exposed but are asymptomatic. This document provides the relevant links from the CDC, EEOC, or OSHA for additional guidance. New York State asks that you contact your local health department to report an employee who has COVID 19. Guidance Document HERE.
Majority of New Yorkers in Favor of Permanently Allowing Takeout or Delivery of Alcoholic Beverages from Restaurants
July 7, 2020 - A recent survey conducted by the restaurant industry and shared by the New York State Restaurant Association found that 86% of New York adults are in favor of permanently allowing the purchase of alcoholic beverages with takeout or delivery orders from restaurants. Read full press release HERE.
State Liquor Authority Guideline FAQs
- Phase 2 Outdoor Dining FAQ, HERE.
- Phase 3 Indoor Dining FAQ, HERE.
- Also, we received clarification from the State Liquor Authority that a licensed establishment can host a comedy night or a trivia night, as long as it’s open to the public, and all spacing, party size, PPE, congregating, etc. guidelines are followed.
Phase 3 Guidelines for Restaurants
The Governor has released new regulations that outline the safety measures that will need to be put in place to protect restaurant staff and customers. The full guidelines can be read HERE - and all restaurants must read and affirm these guidelines before reopening. Restaurants must also create a Safety Plan, you can download a Safety Plan Template here.
Some highlights of the guidance include:
- Restaurants must ensure that indoor capacity is limited to no more than 50% of the maximum occupancy for an area as set by the certificate of occupancy, exclusive of employees.
- Restaurants must ensure that indoor and outdoor tables with seating for customers are separated by a minimum of six feet in all directions.
- All individuals sitting at a table must be with the same party, with a maximum of 10 people per table.
- Restaurants should ensure that a distance of at least six feet is always maintained among workers, unless the core activity requires a shorter distance (e.g. cooking, cleaning, clearing tables, maintenance).
- Regardless of physical distance, all employees must always wear an acceptable face covering.
- Patrons must also wear face coverings at all times, except while seated.
- Further clarity that outdoor dining includes spaces that have a fixed roof if they have two sides of open-air flow.
- Restaurants must post signs throughout the site, consistent with DOH COVID-19 signage.
COVID-19 Safety Measures Sign, download HERE.
NYS Outdoor Dining in Phase 2 Guidelines
In regions that have reached Phase 2, such establishments may open outdoor spaces with seating for customers (i.e. dining and bar spaces indoors cannot open to customers), provided customers can be seated at tables that are appropriately distanced. Furthermore, restaurants with outdoor bar seating can open the area, provided customers can be distanced appropriately. Consumption of any dine-in food and/or beverage must occur at tables or bar tops in these outdoor spaces.
- Outdoor Dining Summary Guidelines HERE.
- Read and Affirm Detailed Guidelines for Outdoor and Takeout/Delivery Food Services HERE. You must affirm that you have read these plans in order to reopen.
- Additionally, all restaurants must have a plan in place for how to incorporate these regulations into their plan for outdoor dining. Print Business Safety Plan Template HERE.
- COVID-19 Employee Self-Assessment Form. The attorneys at Jackson Lewis have provided a template for staff to use prior to working their shift.
- Phase 2 Industries Here.
State Liquor Authority - Expanded Outdoor Alcohol Service Guidance
- New York State Liquor Authority (SLA) Guidance (now with an FAQ at bottom of page) on how restaurants and bars may be able to use public space to expand their service. According to the new executive order:
- All licensees may use any outdoor, open-air part of its existing premises for which it has control by deed, lease, management agreement, or other agreement of control for service.
- Any licensee that expands its premises shall within 5 business days of doing so submit an updated diagram to the SLA at temporaryalterations@sla.ny.gov. Failure to do so shall subject a licensee to disciplinary charges for illegal extension of premises.
- All licensees may use any outdoor, open-air part of its existing premises for which it has control by deed, lease, management agreement, or other agreement of control for service.
- The expansion also allows for municipalities to make available any contiguous property (sidewalks, streets, etc...) for use as well during the duration of this order. If municipalities want or expect the SLA to have jurisdiction over a licensee’s operations the municipality must submit to the SLA a plan for such municipal outdoor dining areas on the application form (below) and deliver to the SLA the written acceptance of responsibility for such Municipal Extension from each implicated licensee by also including the Licensee Certification For Temporary Extension of Licensed Premises Onto Municipal Property form (below).
Restaurant Reopening Guidance
- National Restaurant Association Reopening Guidance: The purpose of this guidance is to offer direction and provide a framework for best practices as you reopen. The updated guidance reflects the most recent guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the U.S. Food & Drug Administration specifically related to interacting with diners. Download Updated Reopening Guidance HERE.
- The attorneys at Jackson Lewis have provided a template for a COVID-19 Self-Assessment Form for employees to use, download Self-Assesment Form HERE.
- NYSRA partner Jackson Lewis has shared the following information from their daily briefing on May 18: Reimagining the Workplace for Restaurant Employers and Businesses. Watch Now | Recap Outline.
- NYS Department of Health New Reopening Guidelines for Businesses
The NYS Department of Health has released new reopening guidelines for businesses. All NYS businesses in the industry categories will need to comply with the minimum guidelines established by the State and will need to develop a written “Safety Plan” outlining how its workplace will prevent COVID-19 exposure. The State has provided industry specific safety plan templates, but also allows the business to develop its own Safety Plan. While the Safety Plan does not need to be submitted to the Department, the Safety Plan does need to be kept on file with the business AND posted conspicuously at the site of business. Businesses will also need to file an affirmation of compliance with the Department. - The Center for Disease Control (CDC) Released An Updated Version of Its Restaurant Reopening Tool
- Empire State Development: FAQ for reopening: https://esd.ny.gov/nyforward-faq
