On June 26, Governor Murphy signed Executive Order No. 157, which contains requirements for indoor dining, which can resume on July 2.

The indoor dining requirements include:

1. Limiting the number of patrons in indoor areas to 25 percent of the food or beverage establishment’s indoor capacity, excluding employees;
2. Ensuring that tables are seated are six feet apart in all directions from any other table or seat, and that individual seats at a bar area are also six feet apart in all directions from any other table or seat;
3. Requiring patrons to wear face coverings while inside the indoor premises of the food or beverage establishment, except when seated at their table or in their individual seat. This requirement does not apply if the patron has a medical reason for not wearing a face covering or is a child under two years of age;
4. Food or beverage establishments with table service may only allow patrons to place orders when seated, and only wait staff may bring food or beverages to seated patrons;
5. Patrons may only consume food or beverages while seated (meaning they cannot walk around with their beverages, for example); and
6. Abiding by all other health and safety standards issued by the Commissioner of the Department of Health, including infection control practices and other sanitization protocols, consistent with her authority under the Emergency Health Powers Act.

The Executive Order also allows for recreational and entertainment businesses to reopen on July 2, which includes libraries, museums, aquariums, and public and private social clubs. These businesses must limit the capacity of their indoor premises to 25 percent, and are held to many of the same requirements that are imposed on retail businesses

Gyms and fitness centers, movie theaters, performing arts centers, other concert venues, and indoor amusement and water parks must remain closed. However, gyms and fitness centers can, offer individualized indoor instruction by appointment only. Dance floors at any business must be closed or cordoned off.

Governor Murphy previously announced casinos will reopen on July 2 operating at 25 percent capacity, and amusement and water parks, including boardwalk rides, may also reopen with 50 percent limited capacity.

Today, June 29, indoor malls may reopen. Masks are mandatory and malls must adhere to 50 percent capacity limits.

To read Executive Order No. 157, click here.

To read Department of Health's updated Executive Directive on outdoor and indoor dining, click here.

 Please reach out to Hilary Chebra, Manager, Government Affairs, at hchebra@chambersnj.com if you have any questions.