The Louisiana Governor and State Fire Marshal have issued updated guidelines that take effect on May 15, 2020. As of the time of this post, the New Orleans Mayor has not yet issued her formal proclamation, but references are made to those differences with State law that the Mayor has verbally communicated in press conferences. The following applies to restaurants, bars with Department of Health and Hospitals food permits, cafes and coffee shops:

  • Those businesses may begin dine in service under the following conditions:
    • No exceeding 25% State Fire Marshal occupancy (including employees) (per State Fire Marshal – one person per 60 feet of gross area or 25% of posted State Fire Marshal capacity);
    • Maintain strict social distancing between employees and guests with employees wearing face coverings at all times when interacting with the public;
    • Waiting areas must be closed – guests should be required to make reservations or wait outside maintaining social distancing or in vehicles
    • All buffets or common food stations closed;
  • Businesses are allowed to continue drive-up or curbside delivery services;
  • (New Orleans proclamation will require reservations to be taken where the names and contact numbers of customers must be kept for 21 days for contact tracing purposes)
  • All must follow State Fire Marshal guidance (as of May 15th):
    • When possible, maintain at least 6 feet of separation from other individuals not within the same household.
    • Measures such as face covering, hand hygiene, cough etiquette, cleanliness, and sanitation should be rigorously practiced.
    • Tables shall be arranged such that a minimum of 6 feet of distance between persons seated at other tables is maintained, and more specifically:
      • Tables shall be placed a minimum of 6 feet apart, measured from the table edges, where movement or seating between tables is not necessary;
      • Where movement between tables is necessary, or where one person is seated between tables, the tables shall be spaced a minimum of 8 feet apart from the table edges;
    • Where persons are seated at each table back-to-back, the tables shall be spaced a minimum of 10 feet apart from the edges;
    • Booth seating units can be fully utilized if separated by partitions with a height that exceeds the height of an average seated patron’s head. If not, they are subject to spacing as provide above.
    • No more than 10 persons shall be seated at a single table and such parties should be members of the same household.
  • Kitchen and employee area capacity shall be reduced to allow for 6-foot distancing between employees.
  • Indoor live entertainment is not authorized in this Phase.
  • Customers are required to be seated at tables and not congregating in open areas of the establishment.
  • For outdoor seating::
    • Seating reduced to 25% capacity;
    • Tables 10’ apart;
    • Tables limited to groups of 10 people;
    • Self serve or table service allowed;
    • Outdoor live entertainment with no dancing or standing allowed;
    • For tents (same as above plus):
      • Fire extinguisher within 75’ of any tent area
      • If barriers exist, two remotely located exits
      • Minimum 7’6” ceiling height
    • Staff should check for fever and respiratory symptoms daily
      • Clean and sanitize tables and counters, as well as surfaces that customers touch often, like doorknobs, handles, plates, light switches, countertops, refrigerator and freeze door handles, etc. Follow the CDC guidance for proper cleaning and disinfecting.
      • Clean and disinfect the restrooms regularly.
      • Handwashing is the most important hand hygiene that can be done to stop the spread of COVID-19. Gloves are recommended when handling money but not recommended for other tasks that do not normally require gloves. If gloves are worn:
        • Hands should be washed before putting gloves on and after removing gloves.
        • Gloves should be changed often, changed between tasks, changed when they are obviously soiled, and changed after each interaction with a new individual.
      • Do not touch the customers.

Phase 1 is anticipated to last from Friday, May 15, 2020 to Friday, June 5, 2020. If you have any questions concerning the foregoing, please do not hesitate to contact Jill Gautreaux at (504) 620-3366 or jill.gautreaux@keanmiller.com.