Restaurants and bars prepare for Super Bowl Sunday amid pandemic

CENTRAL COAST, Calif. (KION) On Super Bowl Sunday, bars and restaurants on the Central Coast are typically filled with fans, but this year it is expected to look different.

The COVID-19 pandemic has prevented indoor dining for Califorina counties currently in the purple tier of the Blueprint for a Safer Economy, including Monterey, Santa Cruz and San Benito Counties. They currently only allow outdoor seating. Some bars and restaurants will be able to offer the game to its customers, but others may not.

Outdoor dining and take out will have a major role in this years Super Bowl for restaurants and bars. Ian Penman owner of Melville Tavern said he’s excited and wants fans to have a good time on Sunday. They’re going to be open but his focus this year will be more on take out, he said.

“Were still going to have a crowd here, we already do a great brunch. So were still going to be full its just going to be at a different level," said Penman. "Im not going to focus on having our tv’s rolling and surround sound as we usually do. Its just going to be at a different level.”

Dawn Trego has worked at English Ales Brewery since they opened 20 years ago. They usually do pretty well on Super Bowl Sundays, she said. Although they typically have a full crowd in and out all day whether its to dine in or having to go orders. But she says that this year it won’t be the same.

“I think its the limited seating that we can take in because normally we can get close and gather in and save a seat. move over a chair," said Trego. "This year we have to keep our tables where they are and chairs where they are and limit that excessive group gatherings."

English Ales Brewery added the outdoor patio and tv a few months ago just in time for football season. Trego said she's excited to have the patio back open after it was closed. Despite this years change, she said they have been very diligent in providing a safe a clean environment.

“Its different not having people in here and access to all the tvs but luckily we have a great patio outside and we do have a tv out there and socially distanced tables," said Trego. "Definitely still a place to gather and of course get to go food and to go beer as they journey along to their days."

Monterey County and Santa Cruz County said businesses can feature the game outside as long as the states guidelines are followed.

The CDC recommended that football fans should gather virtually or at home with their households. The agency also suggests gather outdoors and stay 6 feet apart if you are planning to watch the game with people you do not live with and use a projector screen if possible.