Corrado: Mandating Early Closure of Restaurants & Bars Will Hurt Small Businesses Struggling to Survive

Senator Kristin Corrado today questioned the rationale behind Governor Phil Murphy’s decision to order bars and restaurants to stop indoor dining at 10 p.m.

“For the governor to place another arbitrary restriction on indoor dining at restaurants and bars, when they are already limited to a mere 25% capacity, is a slap in the face to small businesses struggling to survive—particularly right before the holidays,” said Corrado (R-40). “This irrational decision by Governor Murphy will impact our restaurant industry in the worst possible way.”

The new restrictions order restaurants, bars, clubs, lounges, and other businesses that serve food or drinks to suspend indoor dining between 10:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. Outdoor dining can continue after 10:00 p.m., as can takeout and delivery services.

The new restrictions in their entirety are outlined in Executive Order No. 194, which Murphy signed earlier today.

“We all understand that the number of positive COVID-19 cases are increasing in New Jersey, and in fact, across the country,” Corrado added. “However, blanket restrictions—such as the ones that Governor Murphy put into effect—are clearly not the right approach. When there’s no evidence that indoor dining results in increased risk, the governor’s order will cause unnecessary harm to restaurants and bars that are already struggling to survive.”