Outdoor Dining Etiquette During COVID-19

When restaurant patios open — this is a new world to them! You’re most likely going to a restaurant that threw together a patio in hopes of making some money. The building was not designed for this. They are trying their best but everything may not be perfect. Eating al fresco is fun but it’s going to be hard on the employees. They have to wear a mask and gloves no matter how hot and possibly go a few hundred extra feet to get more water. They are going to be hot, sweaty, and most likely overwhelmed because these restaurants are not set up for this. Please help your servers in this journey by doing the following:

1. Don’t run your server. Try your best to ask for everything you need at once. Remember it’s going to be a long walk from the patio into the building for more water or anything else. Help them out by asking all at once.

2. Masks: Please wear them as per the mandate from the Governor of Massachusetts when entering and moving around the restaurant/dining area.

3. Wash your hands or use hand sanitizer before you eat. The server is wearing the mask to protect you and you have nothing on to protect them.

4. You eat. You go. Please respect the fact that these restaurants are working with very limited space and a decreased number of patrons at one time. Eat your meal. Have some drinks but please do not sit at a table all night unless you continue to spend money.

5. Don’t come out if you’re sick.

6. Observe Socia-Distancing guidelines: Keep your party six (6) feet from the next when waiting in line. Keep your kids at the table.

7. Cut everyone some slack. Everything may be a bit slow or appear disorganized because this is basically a new job for everyone. Remember the staff is doing their best. Be kind. Be patient. Be happy you are out.

8. Tip: They are going to be sweating wearing masks all to make a buck. Please treat them right and leave a decent tip.

9. Remember you have 3 meals a day every day of your life. This is only one of them. Calm down and enjoy it!