The New York State Restaurant Association (NYSRA) called on the state to loosen restrictions imposed on restaurants — specifically, extending the curfew from 10 p.m. to midnight and allowing limited indoor dining in New York City. Making amendments to state restrictions will give restaurants in New York City the opportunity for more business and allow upstate restaurants to seat an additional service that is not available under current curfew restrictions.

Recently, neighboring states like Massachusetts are eliminating curfews and adjusting capacity limits. Restaurants in Philadelphia re-opened for indoor dining last weekend.

“We all know about the dire financial crisis facing the restaurant industry. And we all agree that we need to reopen the economy or there will be nothing left to reopen. We’re urging the state to take some small steps in that direction. Any help will go a long way toward the long-term survival of so many of our favorite restaurants,” said Melissa Fleischut, president and CEO of the association. 

For the first time in 25 years the Buffalo Bills are in the AFC Championship game and much of Western New York is buzzing in anticipation. For this, like other events, NYSRA believes that small, controlled gatherings in regulated spaces like restaurants, bars and catering establishments are safer than unregulated gatherings in someone’s living room.