Governor Asa Hutchinson announced today, April 29, that dine-in service at restaurants will return Monday, May 11, with limitations.
The reopening of restaurants to dine-in service will happen in three phases with Phase I to begin May 11, just one day shy of Mothers’ Day.
Beginning May 11, restaurants will be able to serve up 33 percent capacity within their restaurant. They will be required to practice social distancing with cleaning and disinfecting to be done after each meal.
Reservations are recommended, but not required. The Governor also stated that pre-orders are recommended.
Face coverings will be required for staff and customers. Customers may remove their masks when their meal arrives.
Gloves will be required for staff members and frequent hand washing is called for. Daily screenings for staff members are required.
Senior hours are encouraged.
There will be no self service stations allowed and all bars and entertainment within a restaurant will be prohibited. Governor Hutchinson added that restaurants will be able to serve alcohol where allowed, but seating at the bar will be prohibited.
The beginning of Phase II and Phase III will be dependent on data.
Phase II will increase serving capacity to 67 percent with social distancing in place.
Phase III will increase serving capacity to full capacity.
The Governor also announced the “Arkansas Ready for Business” Grant Program. Grant funds will be available to restaurants to help offset costs related to COVID-19 cleanliness guidelines and the purchase of PPEs.
The grant will be available through the Arkansas Department of Commerce and is based upon the number of full time workers employed at a restaurant. The total can be based on employee roster numbers as far back as March 1, 2020.
