Beach bar restrictions eased
Restrictions placed on bars and restaurants in the eastern Sussex County beach areas were lifted Nov. 5 in a revision to Gov. John Carney’s state of emergency order.
“Our fight against COVID-19 is not over,” he said in a press release. “While we are easing these outbreak-related restrictions at the beach, Delawareans and visitors should stay vigilant. This virus can cause serious illness, especially among our most vulnerable loved ones, friends, and neighbors. We know what works. Wear a mask in public settings. Avoid gatherings and wash your hands frequently. That will help reduce the spread of COVID-19 as we head into the winter season.”
On June 30, Carney imposed the additional restrictions in eastern Sussex County establishments after a significant increase in COVID-19 cases in beach communities. This included no bar service or standing around in dance or game areas. Carney allowed bar service to resume over the Labor Day holiday weekend, but only if customers ordered food, and they had to have reservations.
The additional restrictions are being eased due to the end of the busy summer season, and the modification allows people to stand at bars and drink, and gather in dance areas, around pool tables and other social settings. Reservations are also no longer required for restaurant or bar service.
COVID-19 restrictions still apply which include social distancing, wearing face coverings, and 60 percent capacity limits for bars and restaurants.
This revision to food and drink establishments applies to the following locations: Lewes, Rehoboth Beach, Dewey Beach, Long Neck, Bethany Beach, South Bethany, Fenwick Island, West Fenwick Island, Ocean View, Millville and/or the following zip codes: 19966 east of Route 24 and Route 5; 19945 east of Route 17; 19975 east of the intersection of routes 20 and 54, and the entirety of 19944, 19967, 19970, 19930, 19971, and 19958.
