Bar service to resume, other restrictions on Pennsylvania restaurants lifted ahead of Easter

Ahead of the Easter holiday, Pennsylvania will become the latest state to lift capacity restrictions on bars, restaurants, stores and a slew of other establishments, Gov. Tom Wolf announced Monday. Despite an ongoing lack of vaccine supply, the governor cited improved coronavirus metrics and a goal of stimulating the economy. 

Effective April 4, Easter Sunday, restaurants may resume bar service and indoor dining capacity will be raised to 75% for restaurants that are self-certified. Restaurants that are not certified may raise capacity to 50%, though outdoor dining, curbside pick-up and takeout are still encouraged.

Alcohol service will also be allowed without the purchase of food and the curfew for removing alcoholic drinks from tables has been lifted.

Health protocols must be practiced and the statewide masking and social distancing mandates will remain in place, meaning there must be 6 feet between diners, Wolf said in a release. 

"Our case counts continue to go down, hospitalizations are declining, and the percent positivity rate gets lower every week –  all very positive signs. The number of people getting vaccinated increases daily and we are seeing light at the end of the tunnel," Wolf said. "It’s time to allow our restaurants, bars and other service businesses to get back to more normal operations."

"That's good news," said Chris Sirianni, owner/operator of the Brewerie at Union Station in Erie, and president of the Northwest chapter of the Pennsylvania Tavern and Lodging Association. "We're welcoming this news. We think it's overdue and glad we're following in the steps of neighboring states.

"Although it's not 100%, we're glad we're moving in the right direction and will continue to lobby for business as usual in our industry."

He stopped short of full-out celebration, though. 

"Honestly, it's still another three weeks of putting up with tight restrictions while Ohio at 100% (capacity) ... and New York is going to 75% this week," Siriani said. "We still have to put up with another three full weeks under these restrictions."

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George Midina, general manager at El Canelo, 2709 W. 12th St. in Millcreek Township, Erie County, said he'd take what he could get.

"It's going a little slow," under current restrictions, he said. "But I hope with this new thing, we can do a little better."

Capacity for gyms and entertainment facilities such as casinos, theaters, and malls will also be increased to 75% occupancy effective April 4. 

Wolf also announced revisions to occupancy limits for indoor events to allow for 25% of maximum occupancy, regardless of venue size, and maximum occupancy limits for outdoor events to allow for 50% of maximum occupancy, regardless of venue size. 

"We’ve come so far and now is not the time to stop the safety measures we have in place to protect ourselves, our families and our communities," Wolf said. "Keep wearing a mask, social distancing, and, please, get vaccinated when it’s your turn."

While the easing of restrictions is a positive move, John Longstreet, president & CEO of the Pennsylvania Restaurant & Lodging Association, said he is disappointed that the state is not implementing the changes immediately and instead is holding off until April 4 — "especially while neighboring states have been taking action in a timelier fashion."

"We would like to see the Governor allow the hospitality industry the opportunity to come back to the business quicker, so that these businesses can survive this long period of disruption," Longstreet said.

ETN reporter Jennie Geisler contributed to this report. Reach her at jgeisler@timesnews.com. Follow her on Twitter @ETNgeisler. 

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