Earlier this month, the Baker Administration adjusted the maximum capacity for restaurants in Massachusetts upward a bit, and now the restrictions will be lifted (though with distancing restrictions still in place)--and music will also be able to return to dining spots.
In today's update, Governor Charlie Baker and Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito stated that the state will move into Phase 3, Step 2, where restaurants will no longer have maximum capacity restrictions beginning Monday, March 1 (the six-foot distancing rule will continue, however), while the maximum table size will remain at 6 and a time limit of 90 minutes for diners will remain in place as well. Baker and Polito also said that live music will be allowed at restaurants once again, along with music venues being able to open at 50% capacity with no more than 500 people as of March 1. In addition, as long as public health data allows, the state will move into Phase 4, Step 1 as of March 22, including venues having a capacity of 5,000 or more (including TD Garden, Fenway Park, and Gillette Stadium) being allowed to reopen at 12% maximum capacity starting that day. (Bars, nightclubs, and food courts will remain closed for now, according to Baker.)
[February 27 update: Universal Hub reports that the city of Boston is going to hold off on allowing live music in restaurants and smaller venues, looking instead at March 22 rather than March 1 "if public health data allows."]
[Earlier Article]
Baker Administration Increases Maximum Restaurant Capacity to 40% Starting February 8
[A related post from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): List of Restaurant Closings and Openings in the Boston Area]
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