With restaurants and gyms set to re-open on January 31, Doug Ford and the Ontario government announce the newest set of indoor dining regulations to accompany the modified Step 2 reopening plan.
In short, there are quite a few differences from the first time Ontario was in Step 2. Restaurants are no longer required to contact trace, and there are no longer mandated closing times. Regular liquor sales restrictions are returning, meaning the 11 p.m. curfew is no longer in effect.
Table restrictions are different, too. The new indoor dining regulations allow for parties of ten, unless every person at the table is a part of the same household. Under the new rules, buffets can re-open, too, though requirements for distancing and wearing masks still apply.
Patrons cannot expect service if they are standing up or roaming. Guests can only eat or drink when seated, and anyone moving around the restaurant must wear a mask. These dining regulations did not change.
The new dining regulations still require proof of vaccination at restaurants. QR codes from other provinces are functional in Ontario, meaning that guests can experience the same verification process that locals do. Foreign visitors may validate their proof of vaccination to their local PHU.
The provincial government announced these changes shortly after revealing that restrictions will ease at the end of the month. Restaurants and gyms re-open for indoor dining and use at a 50% capacity beginning on January 31, according to the last announcement.
The reopening plan continues through February and March, and regulations ease as Ontario enters each phase of the plan. If all goes well in this step, the government expects Ontario to move into the next phase by the end of February. In the next phase, movie theatres can serve snacks and drinks again, alongside other changes.