Over the weekend, Governor Charlie Baker announced that Phase 2 of the reopening of the Massachusetts economy would begin today, with restaurants that have outdoor dining areas being able to open them up, and all indoor dining areas eventually being able to open whenever Step 2 of Phase 2 commences. (Restaurants with no outdoor sections can continue to do takeout/delivery until Step 2.) There has been some confusion as to where this leaves bars and other businesses that are focused on alcohol, but some of this has now been cleared up.Based on information that comes in part from several sources--and one source in particular who receives updates from the state--bars with kitchens and outdoor areas are also allowed to open outdoor sections today as part of Phase 2, and the same goes for breweries and wineries that have seated food service. (Bars with kitchens but no outdoor areas have to wait until Step 2.) We have learned that such places as breweries and wineries can open outdoor areas in Phase 2 even if the food comes from food trucks, though the dishes have to be served to customers (no self-service is allowed). In addition, breweries and wineries can set up new seating areas for dining as long as it is approved by the communities in which they reside. We have not been told if any of this also applies to beer gardens and distilleries, though it would appear that they would be in a similar situation; as soon as we find out more information, we will post an update here.
As mentioned earlier, bars that don't have kitchens, and breweries, wineries, beer gardens, and distilleries with no seated food service will not be able to open until Phase 4, which, assuming Phase 2 lasts three weeks and Phase 3 lasts three weeks, means that they wouldn't be able to open until late July at the earliest. (It isn't known if bars with outdoor patios but no kitchens would be able to open in Phase 2 or Phase 4, so stay tuned for updates on that as well.)
[Earlier Article]
Phase 2 of Reopening Plan for Massachusetts to Begin Monday; Outdoor Dining Spaces Allowed to Open
by Marc Hurwitz (Also follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston)
[A related post from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): List of Restaurant Closings and Openings in the Boston Area]
