The State has released guidance for in-person and catered events larger than 50 persons, such as wedding receptions, celebrations, and similar private venue events, such as meetings and conferences, which are permitted as of March 15, 2021. Some of the key provisions are: Occupancy must be limited to the lesser of: 50% for a particular…

While we’re waiting for the State Liquor Authority to post their guidance and update their Frequently Asked Questions, here are the Health Department’s Detailed Guidelines for Sports and Recreation which covers these activities: https://www.governor.ny.gov/sites/governor.ny.gov/files/atoms/files/SportsAndRecreationMasterGuidance.pdf. The new language in the guidance, on pages 8-9, explain the rules for these activities: For bowling centers and alleys –…

Yesterday the Governor announced that pool and billiard halls can open March 5. He said they would have strict protocols. We have asked the SLA and Governor’s Office what this means. That discussion is underway, including whether anything else will be allowed. We will provide a further update when we have more information.

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that given the continued decline in hospitalization and infection rates throughout New York, closing times for restaurants and bars will be extended from 10 p.m. to 11 p.m. statewide beginning Sunday, February 14. “Our decisions are based on science and data and we adjust as the virus adjusts. The…

Governor Andrew Cuomo today announced that New York City indoor dining can reopen at 25 percent capacity on February 12. The reopening was previously scheduled for Valentine’s Day, but restaurants requested an earlier reopening date to allow staff to prepare and the request has been granted

Judge temporarily lifts 10 p.m. curfew for bars, restaurants that sued New York State This decision only effects those bars and restaurants involved in the lawsuit at this point. Check back for updates.

The Empire State Restaurant & Tavern Association commends Governor Cuomo for the recent decisions to eliminate cluster zone restrictions and to permit indoor dining in New York City. These actions recognize the declining infection and transmission rates across New York State and provide some hope for increasing revenue for struggling restaurant and tavern owners. The…

Statement of Scott Wexler, Executive Director Empire State Restaurant & Tavern Association “Thanks to Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, restaurants and taverns across New York have good reason to be hopeful now that a Federal grant program to help these small, independent businesses has been included in the new COVID relief bill. The restrictions on these…

https://www.timesunion.com/news/article/Restaurant-relief-25-billion-grant-program-will-15919063.php?IPID=Times-Union-HP-CP-Spotlight  

The State’s recent decisions to remove cluster zone restrictions and permit indoor dining in New York City are welcome news, but with the Super Bowl only days away, it’s time to turn our attention to lifting the 10 pm curfew. You can safely operate your establishment at any time, including past 10 pm. Compliance with…

Empire State Digital is collaborating with Ritual and PayPal to launch a relief program to help hospitality businesses across our state move to contactless transactions, implement touchless payments and increase their online orders. Through March 31, 2021, e-commerce company Ritual will offer its commission-free digital ordering platform Ritual ONE to New York’s restaurants, taverns, and…

The New York State Department of Labor (NYDOL) issued new guidance this month for employers regarding COVID-19 sick leave. As you should be aware, New York employers are required to provide paid and/or unpaid sick leave to employees subject to a mandatory or precautionary order of quarantine or isolation due to COVID-19 (in addition to…