Connecticut Reverses Decision on Dining Structure Ban

Connecticut has abruptly reversed course on their decision to ban outdoor dining structures like igloos and greenhouses, but not without new guidelines. Originally, the state informed restaurants that outdoor structures were not safe because of the lack of fresh air ventilation.

The Hartford Courant reported that the Connecticut Restaurant Association has agreed with restauranteurs regarding new ventilation guidelines for the safety of their customers, which basically states,

Tents or membrane-like structures are required to have adequate ventilation of fresh air being brought in, and inside air being exhausted.

Co-owner from Toro Loco in Farmington, Tony Camilleri, told the Hartford Courant his phone has been "ringing nonstop" from customers making dinner reservations for his outdoor igloos. Mr. Camilleri is now one happy man.

Last Monday, November 2, the Governor declared that restaurants would need to close at 9:30 PM and move from 75 percent capacity to 50 percent with a maximum of eight people per table, angering restaurant owners who stated that earlier closings and fewer customers would cost them thousands of dollars in revenue.

After hearing from many of Connecticut's restaurant owners, Governor Lamont modified his ruling and extended restaurant closing times to 10 PM. Takeout and delivery will be allowed past the 10 PM hour.

As the coronavirus cases in Connecticut continue to rise, Lamont urges residents to cooperate with a 10 PM to 5 AM curfew and restrain from taking non-essential trips outside the home. The governor is also recommending residents limit their Thanksgiving gatherings to 10 or fewer people.

As you might imagine, the amended guidelines to slow down the spread of COVID-19 is not going over well with many Connecticut residents who either feel their rights are being violated or they can't stand being cooped up any longer.

You might get a totally different response from a 52-year-old woman who just lost her husband of 30 years to COVID-19 after spending five weeks in the hospital hooked up to a respirator. Just sayin'.