Feb. 24. Gov. Roy Cooper has eased restrictions on bars, event venues and many other businesses, much to the relief of business owners.
Rad Bennett, owner of Jack’s Corner Tap in Cornelius, said it was long overdue. “Having to stop serving at 9 hurt,” he said, explaining the past several months have been even harder for bars and pubs that did not serve food.
“Now they can put people inside which is a tremendous help,” he said. To read the new Executive Order, click here.
Today’s Executive Order begins Friday at 5 pm and includes:
—Lifting the Modified Stay at Home Order requiring people to stay at home and businesses to close to the public between 10 pm and 5 am.
—The number of people who may gather indoors increases from 10 to 25, while 50 remains the limit for outdoors.
—The curfew on the sale of alcohol for onsite consumption will be moved from 9 pm to 11 pm.
Capacity details
Cooper’s executive order has two general categories of occupancy restrictions: 30% capacity and 50% capacity. Because indoor spaces have a higher risk of spread for COVID-19, indoor facilities in the 30%-occupancy category may not exceed two hundred fifty (250) people per indoor room or indoor space.
30% Capacity Limit (may not exceed 250-persons in indoor spaces)
—Bars
—Meeting, Reception, and Conference Spaces
—Lounges (including tobacco) and Night Clubs
—Indoor areas of Amusement Parks
—Movie Theatres
—Entertainment facilities (e.g., bingo parlors, gaming establishments)
—Sports Arenas and Fields*
—Venues*
—Indoor event venues with more than 5,000 seats may be excepted from the 250 person limit if they follow additional safety measures up to 15% capacity.
50% Capacity Limit
—Restaurants
—Breweries, Wineries, Distilleries
—Fitness and Physical Activity Facilities (e.g., gyms, bowling alleys, rock climbing facilities)
—Pools
—Museums and Aquariums
—Retailers
—Outdoor areas of Amusement Parks
—Salons, Personal Care, Tattoo Parlors
For an FAQ, click here.
Safety protocols such as masks, social distancing and frequent handwashing will continue to be important as people adjust to the new order. Cooper said businesses must be persistent in practicing public health and safety protocols.
