Reopening of Indoor Dining Postponed in NJ

Just four days after announcing that New Jersey restaurants, this week, could resume indoor dining with customers spaced six feet apart, at no more than 25 percent of a venue’s capacity, Governor Phil Murphy on Monday afternoon indefinitely rescinded his earlier directive.  The decision was based upon the spike in COVID-19 numbers in state’s which have already resumed indoor dining.

The new indoor dining restriction will be in place for an indefinite period of time.  Restaurants have been restricted to take out and curbside pick ups for months, only recently being allowed to offer outdoor seating with appropriate social distancing guidelines and other precautions in place.

In announcing his directive today, Governor Murphy made it perfectly clear that establishments and customers who ignore the restriction will not be tolerated.

Officials have raised concerns over establishments and patrons which have ignored the COVID-19 regulations, putting themselves and others at risk, especially those restaurants, bars, clubs and Jersey shore boardwalk businesses that think they are above the law.

Governor Murphy did say outdoor dining remains open.  Meanwhile, casinos in Atlantic City, boardwalk arcades and rides, plus amusement parks may still open for business this Thursday, just in time for the July 4th holiday weekend.