COVID-19 Restrictions Lifted

Today the NYC Hospitality Alliance’s Andrew Rigie joined Governor Cuomo and leaders from around New York at 1 World Trade Center to announce that 70% of our state’s adults have been fully vaccinated or received their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. This important news means that we’ve hit a critical threshold in which the state’s COVID-19 New York Forward guidelines for eating and drinking establishments is now lifted, effective immediately, including cleaning and disinfection requirements, temperature and health screenings, collection of contact information for tracing, posting of related signage, etc. This also means that social distancing, table spacing and barriers are no longer required.

Restaurants, bars, and clubs may still implement these protocols if they want, but it is now optional.

Businesses may ask for proof of vaccination from patrons through paper form, digital application, or the State's Excelsior Pass. Alternatively, businesses may rely upon self-reporting of vaccination status (e.g., honor system), or post a sign at the front of the business asking unvaccinated individuals to inform the business of their status, in which case unvaccinated people should wear a mask if standing and not consuming food and beverage. But, businesses are not required to request proof of vaccination. We anticipate the State will release official details in the near future at which time we will be sure to share them with you.

A Note:

The past 16 months have been incredibly trying for our city’s hospitality industry and entire city. At times, it felt like we would never get to where we are today, especially during our darkest times. While we have lost so much and struggled, we fought and supported each other, and we hope today’s incredibly important news provides a shot of optimism for the future of our industry and New York City.

Thank you for your support of the NYC Hospitality Alliance and your commitment to safely reopening our industry. It’s still a long road to recovery, but today’s news is very important and symbolic. Now we must keep fighting to replenish the Restaurant Revitalization Fund, and enact more policies that support our industry’s recovery.

If you have additional questions we recommend you contact the State of New York at: nycnyf@esd.ny.gov or City of New York at SBS Hotline: 888-SBS-4NYC