City of Milwaukee set to loosen restrictions on bars and restaurants, allowing 50% capacity

The City of Milwaukee is set to loosen restrictions on bars and restaurants, allowing them to operate at 50% capacity.

The change, which is scheduled to take effect 12:01 a.m. Wednesday, comes as Dane County and other communities around Wisconsin are reporting a spike in coronavirus cases among people in their 20s.

City officials said the change, which moves Milwaukee into "Phase 4" of its reopening plan, is based on criteria including local COVID-19 cases, coronavirus testing and the rate of positive tests, hospital capacity, PPE available for health care workers and first responders, and contact tracing.

Under the new guidelines, bars and restaurants can open at 50% capacity. Restaurants could also apply to open at full capacity under a new pilot program.

Mike Vitucci plans to increase capacity at his five bars Wednesday when the new guidelines go into effect.

Vitucci said operating Uncle Bucks, Belmont Tavern, Izzy Hops Swig & Nosh, Murphy's Irish Pub and Caffrey's Pub with 50% capacity is a "much needed jump to get more revenue." 

Vitucci said at 50% capacity he'll start breaking even. Opening the bars at 25% capacity has been "a struggle" for business, he said, but he feels prepared to increase the number of customers. His staff has now experienced working during a pandemic and is familiar with new protocols, like proper sanitation and wearing a mask while working. 

Other changes include:

• Retail businesses can allow 50% capacity.
• Child care settings, including youth programs, can operate at 75% capacity
• Churches and other faith-based gathers can allow the lesser of the three: 50% of the total occupancy, one person for every 30 square feet or 250 people.
• Gyms and athletic centers can allow 50% capacity.
• Hotels and motels can allow 50% capacity, while their pools, hot tubs and exercise facilities can allow limited occupancy.
• Garage, rummage and yard sales can allow the lesser of the three: 50% of the total occupancy, one person for every 30 square feet or 250 people.
• Chartered Fishing Excursions can allow the lesser of the three: 50% of the total occupancy,  one person for every 30 square feet or 250 people.

City officials said that physical distancing and frequent disinfecting is still required, and face masks are strongly recommended.

Contact Mary Spicuzza at (414) 224-2324 or mary.spicuzza@jrn.com. Follow her on Twitter at @MSpicuzzaMJS.