WALL, N.J. – Assemblyman Edward Thomson is calling for Gov. Phil Murphy to allow restaurants open for outdoor dining while adhering to recommended safety guidelines.
Thomson said bars and dining establishments been severely impacted since they were ordered closed in March and should be allowed to open if they can operate outdoors safely.
“Bars and restaurants have been decimated by this shutdown and need to start reopening soon if they are going to survive,” said Thomson (R-Monmouth). “Allowing outdoor dining will go a long way toward helping these businesses be successful under new restrictions that will be in place for the foreseeable future.”
Thomson noted over 200,000 jobs were lost in the hospitality industry during the month of April when bars and restaurants were permitted only take-out or delivery. He said recent executive orders allowing certain businesses to open and permitting social gatherings of up to 25 people make it clear that restaurants can be open for outdoor dining.
“If people can go to Wal-Mart or hold a backyard barbecue with up to 25 people, we should allow restaurants to use outside areas while maintaining social distancing and other safety measures,” said Thomson. “As we head into the warmer weather, we need to start letting our bars and restaurants use innovative methods, like expanded outdoor dining, to reopen their doors safely.”