Hidden gem in Charlotte’s Oakhurst neighborhood where the menu is as creative as the food
September 30, 2020
North Carolina moves into Phase 3
Bars can open their outdoor spaces only
The dining room of Tattoo, inside of KiKi Bistro. Kristen Wile/UP
Governor Roy Cooper announced that North Carolina will move into Phase 3 effective Friday at 5 p.m. during a press conference on Wednesday. He was measured as he discussed the state’s progress, saying trends were stable but cold weather and flu season would bring additional challenges and calling that stability “fragile.”
“We see warning signs that the disease could spike again here and across the country,” he said. Here are the biggest takeaways for the food and beverage industry from Cooper’s announcement.
Face coverings
Face coverings are still required for those over 5 years old in public spaces, including in restaurants when guests are being seated. Cooper urged guests to take into consideration how establishments enforce safety requirements. “Don’t patronize or go to places where people aren’t doing that.”
Bars reopening
Bars may open outdoor spaces only at 30 percent capacity. Restaurants and bars without patios can currently use parking spaces as outdoor seating areas under the city’s temporary outdoor dining policy. All guests must be seated, and social distancing must be practiced between tables. The order pinpoints bars are often a point of concern because “in Bars, people’s risk of spreading COVID-19 is higher for many reasons, including because people traditionally engage in activities in Bars that result in increased respiratory effort, because people traditionally mingle in Bars and are in close physical contact for an extended period of time, and because people are less cautious when they drink alcoholic beverages.”
The 11 p.m. alcohol curfew
The cutoff of liquor sales at 11 p.m. will continue during Phase 3. A question-and-answer from the Governor’s office says that guests may drink purchased drinks in a reasonable time frame after 11 p.m., however.
Restaurants see no change
Dining rooms did not see an increased seating capacity as initially expected in Phase 3. Restaurants will continue to operate at 50 percent capacity, though private dining spaces may now reopen for events at 30 percent capacity or 100 people.
Phase 3 will last until Friday, Oct. 23 unless extended by the Governor’s office. The order also enables limited capacities at outdoor venues and movie theaters. See the full order here.
