Finally! The vast majority of regions in Quebec are turning "orange" today, which means that restaurant dining rooms can once again accommodate customers. Obviously, the government has issued certain conditions that must be followed to the letter. What does that mean for customers and restaurateurs?
First, some restaurants will not be ready to reopen as of March 8. Staff have to be called back, or sometimes even found new, menus prepared, food and beverage orders and various systems put in place to meet standards.
Red zone prohibited access!
On the other hand, only customers also living in an orange zone can have access to the dining room. Sorry for the people living around Montreal! By the rules, restaurateurs are required to see your identification before bringing you to your table. Without proof of residence, you simply will not have access.
At each table, you can only be two adults and you can only be accompanied by children living at the same address as you.
Remember that some regions were designated "orange" at the beginning of February. In doing so, they opened their dining room for quite some time. And they have noticed certain things since, in spite of the clearly stated instructions: every day they refuse a good number of customers coming from the “red” region.
Reservations and masks
Also, you must reserve, except in fast-food restaurants, and give your full name because the restaurant must keep a register of customers.
Check with your favorite restaurants, each establishment has different ways to make reservations: by completing an online form, by phone, by email or by private messaging.
Remember, even if the dining rooms are open, their seating capacity is still reduced to around 50%.
Plus, as people can't wait to go back to dining out, having been denied their favorite restaurants for months, traffic will be high.
Yes, you will still be required to wear a mask from the moment you arrive at the restaurant and until you reach your table. Once seated, you can remove it. But if you have to go to the little corner, don't forget to put it back!
So, despite these few constraints, have you already planned your next restaurant outing?