When the COVID-19 pandemic hit the United States and New Jersey back in March 2020, industries that were highly effected were the restaurant and New Jersey Craft Beverage Industry. As we are well aware, these industries were forced to shut down and find alternate ways to generate revenue in order to survive.
After much hard work from the New Jersey Brewer’s Guild and New Jersey Brewer’s Association, New Jersey Governor, Phil Murphy, signed an Executive Order allowing for home delivery of craft beverage products.
In June 2020, Governor Phil Murphy and the Acting Director of the New Jersey Alcohol and Beverage Control signed an order stating the New Jersey Craft Beverage Industry was allowed to have outdoor seating. Of course, this each plan needed approval.
Now it is November and the weather outside is fluctuating tremendously. Some days it feels like summer and others it feels like a winter day. However, indoor seating has only been allowed at 25% capacity. This is not sustainable for most New Jersey Craft Beverage Producers.
Thankfully, Governor Murphy has recently extended the outdoor COVID-19 seating until March 2021. This means that Craft Beverage Producers can keep there outdoor seating throughout the winter.
This means a lot to both Craft Beverage Producers and patrons. The craft beverage producers will continue to generate revenue. However, the Craft Beverage Producers need to abide by certain rules and guidelines. First, if you have a tent out, ensure that it is only enclosed on 2 sides. Currently, an indoor structure is deemed a fixture with 3 sides. Second, some sort of heat will need to be provided to the patrons. Portable heaters and fire pits will work. However, warmth does fall primarily on the patrons. I recommend that each patron dress in many layers, wear warm socks and shoes, and pack blankets and gloves.
I have not heard of many issues between patrons and craft beverage staff, but I again ask patrons to understand that these guidelines have not been set by the owners; rather, these are government mandated to keep us protected and safe during the COVID-19 pandemic.
If you have any questions regarding the current policies that are in place, please contact David Campanile at david@campanilelaw.com.