Government House Clarifies 'Misinformation' About Reopening of Bars and Nightclubs

Government House Clarifies ‘Misinformation’ About Reopening of Bars and Nightclubs

CHRISTIANSTED — In response to rumors and misinformation about the reopening of bars and nightclubs, as well as the guidelines and restrictions pertaining to restaurant operations, Government House is clarifying those guidelines and restrictions as outlined in Governor Albert Bryan Jr.’s 19th Supplemental Executive Order.

The 19th Supplemental Executive Order, as well as all the Executive Orders the Governor has issued pertaining to the COVID-19 pandemic, can be found at vi.gov

• Beginning November 9, 2020, Bars and Nightclubs are allowed to reopen pursuant to the following conditions:
• For SEATED service only, pursuant to the COVID-19 GUIDANCE FOR RESTAURANTS, BARS AND NIGHTCLUBS, in the Eighth Supplemental Executive Order issued on May 30, 2020, as amended by the Executive Orders.
• NO patrons shall be allowed to congregate standing around the bar counter area.
• There shall be no sitting and no serving of alcohol at bar counters.
• Patrons seated at tables in designated seating areas may order food AND/OR alcohol.
• No seating of more than 6 persons per table
• Allocated seating must be within the social distancing guidelines of 6 feet away from other tables.
• No sale or distribution of alcohol from 11:00 p.m. until 8:00 a.m. daily.
• No patrons are allowed in the establishment from 12 midnight until 6 a.m. daily.
• Masks and facial coverings are required in all bars and nightclubs, except when patrons are seated at their designated tables.
• The use of pool tables is permitted with facial coverings worn at all times. Hand sanitizers should be made accessible to all players. The pool sticks and surrounding areas must be disinfected after each game.
• Live music and DJ entertainment is allowed in licensed establishments pursuant to the COVID-19 GUIDANCE FOR RESTAURANTS, BARS AND NIGHTCLUBS, in the Eighth Supplemental Executive Order issued on May 30, 2020, as amended.
• Occupancy in the establishment is 50% of the regular occupancy capacity set by their business license or the Fire Marshall prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, or 100 customers, whichever is less, based on which temporary occupancy certificates may be issued.
• Cabarets shall remain CLOSED