Indoor dining guidelines laid out as restaurants prepare for Phase 2

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE)– As the state looks to reopen a wider range of businesses on Monday, guidelines for indoor dining were posted on the Reopening RI website Thursday night.

The new requirements will be a stark difference from the dining experience Rhode Islanders enjoyed before the coronavirus crisis.

Masks are mandatory for guests and staff. Diners would be able to remove the masks when seated and their tables, but would have to wear them when moving through the restaurant, or in a common area such as a restroom.

Capacity is limited to 50 percent of the restaurants occupancy, while the number of diners at a table are restricted to eight or fewer people.

While acknowledging that Phase 2 of the state’s reopening plan allows for gatherings of groups of up to 15, the guidelines suggest breaking up larger parties into two tables, while also granting restaurants the ability to set their own policy on party size.

There won’t be salad bars, or any self-service station permitted. Condiments would be single use, as would any paper menu- and digital and stationary menus are encouraged.

The guidance ensures that the changes won’t just be felt by guests; there are also big changes for workers laid out.

In addition to enhanced cleaning and sanitizing duties, staff are encouraged to maintain separate work stations. Keeping shifts kept to the same workers on a daily basis, and minimizing face-to-face contact with guests is strongly encouraged.

The full set of guidelines, along with guidelines for other businesses set to open in Phase 2, can be found on the Reopening RI website.

While diners and staff might be overwhelmed by the list of what’s not permitted, some may take comfort in seeing that live performances will be allowed, provided the performers keep at a 14 foot distance.

©WLNE-TV/ABC 6 2020