Reopening PA's Restaurants

GENERAL INFORMATION
On May 27, Gov. Wolf released guidelines for reopening Pennsylvania's restaurants and announced that restaurants in yellow counties may offer outdoor dining. On July 15, Gov. Wolf walked-back the guidelines for the restaurant industry. On September 8, the Wolf Administration announced that restaurants may increase to 50% occupancy on September 21 but they must self-certify in order to do so.

Guidance Documents

• September 21 order to allow for 50% occupancy with self-certification. READ ORDER
• The Department of Community & Economic Development will be responsible for the self-certification process, which became available on September 21. DCED issued an FAQ document (updated on 9/25/2020) on the process. 
• The Pa. Department of Labor also issued guidance on building occupancy. 
• The Restaurant Industry Specific Guidance has been updated to reflect the newest mitigation strategies (updated 9/18/2020). 
• Items from the July 15 order that remain unchanged include:
  • Bar service is prohibited.
  • Alcohol only can be served for on-premises consumption when in the same transaction as a meal.
  • Other items like social distancing, masking, and other mitigation measures that have been in play must be in play to protect workers and patrons.
  • The Pa. Department of Health released an FAQ document on these new guidelines on July 20. 
• PLCB Guidance for Licensees in All Counties (10/20/2020) | VIEW
• PLCB Guidance for Licensees in All Counties (9/22/2020) | VIEW
• PLCB Guidance for Licensees in Green & Yellow Counties (7/22/2020) | VIEW
• PLCB Guidance for Licensees in Green Counties (5/29/2020) | VIEW
• PLCB Advisory Notice on Temporary Extended Premise (6/3/2020) | VIEW 
• Wolf Administration Process to Reopening Pennsylvania | VIEW
• Wolf Administration FAQs for Businesses Operating During the COVID-19 Disaster Emergency |  VIEW
• Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Decision Tree for Restaurants & Bars | VIEW
• Pennsylvania General Business Operational Guidance | VIEW
  • NOTE: Businesses must download, print, sign, and hang the "COVID-19 Safety Procedures for Businesses" flyer (You only need to print and display one version.)
• Pennsylvania Bureau of Liquor Control Enforcement Dashboard | VIEW

Allegheny County Specific Information

Philadelphia Specific Information

Enforcement Links

State

• Department of Health Online Complaint Form
• Bureau of Liquor Enforcement Online Complaint Form

Philadelphia

• Dial 311 ​
• Office of Food Protection: (215) 685-7495 ​

Allegheny County

• Online Complaint Form​
• Information Center: (412) 412-350-4636

Best Practices

• US Foods Reopening Blueprint | DOWNLOAD
• 6 Great Ways to Social Distance Your Restaurant | READ
• How to Get your Guests to Order from your Restaurant Instead of a Delivery App | READ
• Design Strategies for Restaurants Reopening During the Pandemic  |  READ
• Ready Restaurants to Reopen with this Kitchen Checklist | READ​

Reopening Restaurants FAQs

What do I have to do if one of my employees tests positive for COVID-19?
The guidance you need to follow can be found here. Scroll to the "Handling Cases of COVID-19" section for the details.

What does it mean that the Pa. Legislature passed a resolution ending the Governor's Emergency Disaster Declaration?
At this time, nothing has changed. Businesses should continue following the guidance provided for the yellow and green phases of reopening and enforcement will continue for those who violate the orders of the Governor or Secretary of Health. The issue will likely go to the Pa. Supreme Court. However, Gov. Wolf outlined the consequences of ending the declaration.  Importantly, ending the disaster declaration would not end any orders issued by the Secretary of Health that set guidelines for business operations. PRESS RELEASE
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Once my county moves to indoor dining, does outdoor dining go away? 
No.