For People Who Live or Work in Our District:

Latest NYC Re-Opening Guidelines

May 8, 2021 | NYC Office of Nightlife Newsletter

Image of waiter placing flowers on a table inside empty restaurant.

NYC Business Reopening Updates

Starting May 10: Outdoor social gathering limit in public places increases to 500.

Starting May 17: the 1am curfew will be lifted for catered events where attendees have proof of vaccination status or negative COVID test result.

Starting May 17: the midnight curfew on outdoor dining will be lifted.
- This change applies to private outdoor areas, and closing times are subject to a business’s liquor license stipulations. Until then, food and beverage establishments must cease all on-premises service and consumption of food and beverages (including alcohol) by midnight under NYS Executive Order 202.102. SLA-licensed establishments should visit the State Liquor Authority website for additional guidance about closing times.
- NOTE: The midnight closing hour for NYC Open Restaurants roadway seating will remain in effect until further notice.

Starting May 17: the New York City MTA subway system will resume 24/7 service.

Starting May 19: Indoor social gathering limit in public places increases to 250; the outdoor social gathering limit at residences is removed; and the indoor social gathering limit at residences increases to 50.

Starting May 19: NYC indoor dining capacity restrictions will be lifted for restaurants and bars. Stay tuned for more information and guidance.

Starting May 19: Capacity limits for large performing arts and sport venues will increase to 30% indoors. Outdoor large venues will be limited by the capacity necessary to comply with the CDC social distancing rules and fully vaccinated attendees at these events may be seated at full capacity in assigned sections. Until May 19, capacity is capped at 20% for outdoor venues with 2,500+ capacity, and 10% for indoor venues with 1,500+ capacity. Proof of a negative Covid-19 test or immunization is required for all attendees. Social distancing and face coverings are required for all attendees, as well as strict adherence to all applicable NYS Department of Health guidance. NYS Department of Health’s Interim Guidance for Large Scale Performing Arts and Entertainment Venues during the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency is available on the New York Forward Phase 4 webpage.

Starting May 31: the midnight curfew on indoor dining will be lifted. Until then, food and beverage establishments must cease all on-premises service and consumption of food and beverages (including alcohol) by midnight under NYS Executive Order 202.102. SLA-licensed establishments should visit the State Liquor Authority website for additional guidance about closing times.

Starting May 31: the curfew will be lifted for all catered events that qualify under the NYS DOH Interim Guidance for New York City Indoor Food Services (In-Person and Catered Events section)(pdf).

Currently In-effect:

The New York State Legislature repealed the order requiring food sales with the purchase of alcoholic beverages at restaurants and bars.

As of May 7: NYC indoor dining can increase to 75% capacity.

As of May 3: Patron seating is allowed at bar areas. Businesses will still need to ensure 6 feet distancing between parties (i.e. groups of patrons).

As of May 3: Catered events can resume at private residences in accordance with the updated NYS DOH Interim Guidance for New York City Indoor Food Services (In-Person and Catered Events section) (pdf).

NOTE: On May 3, the NYS Department of Health issued updated guidance for food service in New York City. The new guidance includes a section on in-person and catered events and guidelines for bar seating, among other updates. NYS DOH Interim Guidance for New York City Indoor Food Services (pdf).

COVID-19 Information & Updates

Image of large passenger bus covered in blue yellow and white designs that say NYC Mobile Vaccine Clinic

Yellow social media post with black text about the ROAR NYC vaccine bus. More info at roarnewyork.org

Vaccines for Restaurant & Food Delivery Workers

The City, in partnership with ROAR NY, is rolling out the NYC Mobile Vaccine Bus to vaccinate restaurant workers and restaurant delivery workers. The Bus is offering Moderna vaccines, so when you schedule an appointment, please confirm you are available when the Bus returns 28 days later for your 2nd shot.

Appointments must be made in advance.

For more locations and to schedule an appointment,

visit: www.roarnewyork.org, email: vaccbus@roarnewyork.org

or call: 1-833-762-7692. On-site interpretation is available.

Schedule NYC Vaccine Bus Appointment

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NYC Vaccines for All

Everyone 16 years and older is now eligible for COVID-19 vaccines. You can make appointments at vaccine sites throughout New York City at vaccinefinder.nyc.gov or by calling 877-VAX-4NYC (877-829-4692).

New Yorkers ages 16+ can now get their COVID-19 vaccine without an appointment at select sites across NYC: http://on.nyc.gov/walkupvax.

New Yorkers ages 50 and older can walk into any City-run site and get vaccinated without an appointment. For information about who is eligible and where to get the vaccine, please visit the NYC Vaccine Command Center website.

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Email: nightlife@media.nyc.gov

Connect: @nycnightlifegov

NYC Office of Nightlife

1 Centre Street, New York, NY 10007

For People Who Live or Work in Our District:

Latest NYC Re-Opening Guidelines

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