Governor Baker allows limited restaurant bar seating in Massachusetts

While most businesses in the Commonwealth have been hit hard during the worldwide pandemic that is COVID-19, restaurants, bars, and night clubs are among some of the hardest hit, with many closing their doors for good or struggling.

Nightclubs and bars are part of Phase 4 of the state’s reopening which stipulates that they must stay closed until there is a coronavirus vaccine. Restaurants have now just been given a lifeline.

Wednesday morning Governor Baker announced updated guidelines for coronavirus to go into effect on Monday. He lifted restrictions to allow 10 people per table inside restaurants thereby allowing them to use their bar areas for food service.

“Bars are closed. Nightclubs are closed. But the evidence from other states with respect to this issue is clear – restaurants can use bar seating for regular food service with appropriate distance in place.” said Governor Baker. There was a disclaimer, however: “There should be no standing around the bar.”