Monterey County offers guidance to restaurants preparing to open for dine-in
MONTEREY, Calif. (KION) Some already know where they are going first when restaurants open for dining. "Cultura in Carmel. That'll be my very first place," said Jude Ecpocu in Monterey.
After months of only take-out options, many are excited about restaurants reopening, but know there will be changes.
"In the past we've been very communal, go with the flow, and encouraged making friends with the table next to you," said Operations Manager at Alvarado Street Brewery, Nicole Grummons.
Grummons and her staff are getting ready for the 'new normal' by taking guidance from the Monterey County Health Department.
Health officials recommend that restaurants plan to accommodate:
- physical distancing
- face coverings for employees and customers
- regular sanitation
- increased hand washing
- updated training for employees
"We want people to plan ahead. We want restaurant owners and operators to contact us," said Monterey County Environmental Health Director, Ric Encarnacion.
Staff at Alvarado Street Brewery said customers will be allowed to pull their masks down to eat and drink at the tables, but must wear them at all other times. "You can't drink a beer with a mask on and we don't expect anyone to try," said Grummons.
In order for staff to plan for social distancing, customers are encouraged to make reservations ahead of time. A new layout of the brewery is in the works, and it may include plexiglass barriers between tables.
Monterey County is awaiting approval from the State of California to reopen restaurants for dine-in. Once they do, officials said business owners will get the 'green light.'
"We are really excited to get back to seeing our community and hopefully have the chance to share a beer and make it a little easier on everyone," said Grummons.
