Colorado Restaurant Affiliation Advocates Small Eating places As Well being Insurance policies Change – CBS Denver

DENVER (CBS4) – Denver restaurants will be 100% busy on Friday, but for smaller eateries like Bistro Vendome in Larimer Square, this may not make a difference.

“I think we’re really going in the right direction,” said Beth Gruitch, a partner in a group that owns and operates four restaurants in downtown Denver, including Bistro Vendome. “But we’re still two meters between the tables, and that hasn’t changed. Although the occupancy has increased, we can still no longer fit here due to this distancing rule. “

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Gruitch says that even if 100% capacity is allowed from Friday, all four restaurants will only be 25% full. While masks are still required indoors, new regulations do not require people to wear them outdoors. She says removing the mandate on outdoor masks will create confusion for guests when they are between indoor and outdoor areas.

“People will forget their mask even more and won’t understand why they still have to use it to wear it when they go to the bathroom, to use the facility, or to get to the host booth,” said Gruitch.

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The Colorado Restaurant Association reiterated Gruitch’s feelings about the new dial in a statement released Wednesday:

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“We are grateful to Colorado’s local health authorities for distributing vaccinations to the public, and restaurant workers in particular, and working to reopen our local economies and help restaurants return to 100% capacity. We cannot emphasize enough the importance of getting the restaurant industry on the path to economic recovery, and that recovery cannot begin until restaurants are back to full capacity without social distancing.

“However, the health and safety of the industry’s workers and customers has been a priority since the pandemic began, and we trust that local health authorities will work to ensure the safety of the industry and its customers as it re-evaluates public health regulations in the field the coming days. Denver Lockers easing restrictions on Level Blue starting Friday, April 16, and allowing restaurants to operate with 100% capacity and two meters away is a step forward for large restaurants and venues with a large capacity Area, but the six rules of foot clearance prevent small to medium-sized restaurants from being 100% open – and many restaurants stay under 50% capacity. Until the two meter distance requirements are lifted, most restaurants get stuck with between 25% and 50% capacity.

“Unfortunately, one unintended consequence of each county setting its own policy will be the creation of a competitive advantage for restaurants in counties with fewer restrictions and the potential loss of business for restaurants in surrounding counties with more stringent security policies. We also have concerns about the confusion a patchwork of local health care contracts will create for both industry and guests. We encourage local health authorities to work to communicate these changes clearly so that the industry and its employees are not responsible for educating their customers about the ins and outs of this rapidly changing regulatory landscape. “

Despite the challenges with the new dial, Gruitch already sees a change in the restaurant industry.

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“We had very little to take away, big reservations, people were out in droves, people are so happy to tell you they have been vaccinated,” said Gruitch. “They are so happy to tell you it’s their first time out.”