Brooklyn business community welcomes return of indoor dining
Cuomo’s move follows months of protests
Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s announcement on Wednesday that New York City restaurants can resume indoor dining on Sept. 30 at 25 percent capacity came as restaurant owners were reaching their breaking point. Many were saying they couldn’t survive much longer, and several lawsuits were in the works.
Nevertheless, Brooklyn’s business community welcomed the move, even though there are some in the business and commercial arenas, such as Assemblymember Nicole Malliotakis (R-Bay Ridge-Staten Island), who have demanded that restaurants be allowed to open with at least half capacity.
Randy Peers, president and CEO of the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce, said, in part, “Brooklyn’s restaurant industry is essential to the borough’s economic recovery, and safely reopening indoor dining will help these small businesses pay rent, predict and plan for the future and rehire staff. Although 25 percent capacity may not be a viable solution for all Brooklyn restaurants, we are grateful to Governor Cuomo for helping to save our neighborhood businesses and jobs.”
Cuomo said all customers will undergo temperature checks at the door, and one member of each party will have to provide information for contact tracing if needed. Customers will not be able to sit at bars, which will be to provide drinks for table service, and restaurants must close at midnight. Tables will be required to be 6 feet apart, and customers must wear masks while not at the table.