On November 10, Governor Tim Walz released new guidance for Certified Food Protection Managers at restaurants as part of the Stay Safe MN effort to control the spread of COVID-19. While there are only a few new restrictions on foodservice businesses, CFPMs should be aware that these new regulations will go into effect on Friday, November 13 at 10 PM. These changes include:
- Changes in dine-in hours
- Limits on games in bars and lounges
- Reduction in indoor seating capacity
The first rule will affect most certified food protection managers at restaurants and bars as well as any other establishment that offers indoor dining. Starting Friday, dine-in service must end at 10 PM and cannot resume before 4 AM. Delivery, takeout and curbside service are still allowed during normal business hours.
Along with the new restricted hours, restaurants, bars and other establishments must require all patrons to remain at tables except to enter, exit or use restroom facilities. This new Stay Safe MN guidance specifically restricts any types of games that require standing and moving around in gaming areas. Bars and lounges should cover pool tables, remove dartboards, unplug arcade machines and prevent guests from participating in other game activities that require them to leave their tables and come into contact with other patrons.
Finally, indoor seating capacity must be reduced to 50 percent and no more than 150 patrons are allowed in large dining halls.
Hopefully, by following these new Stay Safe MN rules, certified food protection managers will keep doing their part to help reduce the spread of the coronavirus so we can make progress towards restoring our vibrant dining scene.
