Venues eager to fully begin restocking supplies and planning for weddings and other catered events now have a better idea of what spring and summer guest lists will look like, thanks to a recent announcement from New York State officials.
Starting March 15—nearly one-year to the day since the state shut down due to coronavirus restrictions—venues can host weddings and catered events at 50 percent capacity, with no more than 150 guests in attendance. And any venue seeking to host more than that allotted number will be required to notify their local health department.
Of course, the ruling comes with more than a few requirements on both the host and attendee side. For starters, guests must be tested for COVID-19 before attending any event, while venue employees and stuff will be tested on a biweekly basis.
COVID-19 Testing Info For Venues
- Attendees will be required to provide proof of a negative PCR test within 72 hours of the event or confirmation of a negative rapid test within six hours of the event. (If you’re unsure what a PCR test is, here’s a helpful explainer: What’s the difference between a PCR and rapid test?)
- All guests must supply contact information to assist in contact tracing should anyone test positive for the virus following the event.
- Venue employees and staff will be tested on a biweekly basis.
- Guests who receive both doses of the COVID-19 vaccine at least 14 days prior to the event are exempt from the official testing rules, HOWEVER, venues can still require a negative test in these circumstances.
One of the most important pieces of information for venues involves the curfew. Weddings and other catered events will be allowed to end at midnight, as opposed to the 10 p.m. curfew required at most restaurants. Venues must also enforce stringent social distancing guidelines and require guests to wear masks except when seated to eat—yes, this includes dancing (more on dancing/performances later in the article).
Mask & Social Distancing Requirements
- All guests and staff must wear masks at all times. Guests can remove masks when seated at their table, eating and drinking.
- Staff must ensure all attendees practice safe social distancing and remain at least 6-feet apart from anyone who is not at their table or from their immediate family or household.
- Tables must be arranged at least six-feet apart and guests should only be seated with their immediate party, family, or household.
- All social distancing rules must be adhered to during cocktail hours. Attendees should only eat and drink with members of their immediate family, party, or household.
Thankfully, guests do not have to remain seated the entire time. Ceremonial dances will be allowed at these weddings and events. But when it comes to full-on dance parties and live musical performances, those will be allowed with some rather interesting (and all-together depressing) rules put in place.
Guidelines For Dancing & Performances
- There must be a 12-foot separation or physical barrier between live music performers and guests. This should be especially enforced upon any musicians playing a wind instrument.
- Guests are prohibited from dancing with anyone outside of their immediate party, family, or household.
- Dancing will be restricted to clearly marked, socially distanced zones on the dance floor.
- Guests must wear masks while dancing.
Venue operators are encouraged to view the full list of guidelines here.
Get Your Venue Ready To Party
We’ve got event spaces covered when it comes to kitchen and dining supplies. Contact your Sam Tell sales rep ASAP to begin restocking everything your staff needs to serve party-hungry guests this spring and summer.
