HARRISBURG — Pennsylvania restaurants can increase indoor occupancy to 50 percent starting Sept. 21, as announced by Gov. Tom Wolf.
“While our aggressive and appropriate mitigation efforts have kept case counts low, we must continue to take important steps to protect public health and safety as we head into the fall. At the same time, we must also support the retail food services industry that has struggled throughout this pandemic,” Wolf said. “The self-certification ensures that restaurants can expand indoor operations and commit to all appropriate orders so that employees and customers alike can be confident they are properly protected.”
The self-certification documents and information about the Open & Certified Pennsylvania program can be found online starting Sept. 21 and will contain the following:
A list of requirements contained in the current restaurant industry guidance and enforcement efforts; a statement that the owner has reviewed and agrees to follow these requirements; the business’ maximum indoor occupancy number based on the fire code; and a statement that the owner understands that the certification is subject to penalties for unsworn falsification to authorities.
Business owners should keep a copy of the self-certification confirmation they will receive by e-mail. Social distancing, masking and other mitigation measures must be employed to protect workers and patrons. Further, starting Sept. 21 restaurants that have alcohol sales will close alcohol sales at 10 p.m.
Additionally, restaurants that self-certify will be mailed Open & Certified Pennsylvania branded materials, such as window clings and other signage designating their certification, which they can display for customers and employees.
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