HARRISBURG, Pa. – Restaurants will be able to open their doors once again for dinner indoors. On Monday, January 4, however, indoor capacity depends on whether the establishment has self-certified or not.
The Secretary of the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED), Dennis Davin, reminded restaurants that, starting Monday at 8:00 a.m., they could open 50% capacity if they have completed the self-certification process in line.
“Self-certification is an easy way to promote an establishment’s commitment to the health and safety of its employers,” Sec said. Davin. “As we enter a new year with a vaccine to contribute to COVID-19’s mitigation efforts, the Wolf Administration is hopeful and hopes to support restaurants as much as possible to get back into business as usual.”
According to officials, the self-certification process is open to all restaurants, private social clubs and food service companies that serve dinners and eat their meals regularly, with no events.
Social distancing, masking and other mitigation measures must continue to be used to protect workers and employers.
Officials say municipalities that have implemented more restrictive mitigation efforts remain in place.
In addition, as of Monday, restaurants, private social clubs, and food service companies serving alcohol for on-site consumption must end the sale of alcohol at 11 p.m., and all beverages Alcohol should be removed from customers at midnight.
Alcohol consumption on the premises is prohibited unless it is part of a meal; cocktails and takeaway drinks are allowed, officials say.
The status of certification will not affect the performance of regularly scheduled or complaint-based inspections by control agencies. in fact, certifying demonstrates that a company is committed to protecting employees and providing customers with a safe dining experience.
The Wolf Administration has published Frequently Asked Questions as a reference for restaurant owners and the public, along with updated guidance on restaurants.
Business owners with additional questions about the self-certification program can contact [email protected].