HARRISBURG, Pa. – On Monday, January 4, restaurants can open their doors again for indoor dining. However, the indoor capacity depends on whether the establishment is self-certified or not.
Secretary Dennis Davin of the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) reminded restaurants that they can open 50 percent from Monday at 8am if they go through the online self-certification process.
“Self-certification is a simple way to promote an institution’s commitment to the health and safety of its customers,” said Sec. Davin. “As we enter a new year with a vaccine to contribute to COVID-19 mitigation efforts, the Wolf administration is hopeful and looking forward to supporting restaurants as much as possible to return to normal operations.”
According to officials, the self-certification process is open to all restaurants, private social clubs and food service companies that dine and serve food in a normal, non-event capacity.
Social distancing, masking, and other mitigating measures still need to be applied to protect employees and customers.
Officials say municipalities that have implemented more restrictive mitigation efforts remain in place.
In addition, restaurants, private social clubs, and hospitality businesses serving alcohol for on-site consumption must stop selling alcohol by 11pm on Monday and all alcoholic beverages must be removed from customers by midnight.
Alcohol consumption on location is prohibited, unless part of a meal; take away cocktails and take away drinks are allowed, officials say.
The occurrence of regularly scheduled or complaint-based inspections by enforcement authorities is not affected by certification status; certification basically proves that a company is committed to protecting employees and providing customers with a safe dining experience.
The Wolf Administration has released FAQs for reference for restaurant owners and the public, along with updated restaurant guidelines.
Business owners with additional questions about the self-certification program should contact [email protected].