BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — While bars are not opening back up just yet, restaurants in Massachusetts will be allowed to seat customers at bar counters again starting Monday.
According to the state's updated coronavirus guidelines, restaurants with bar spaces will be permitted to seat guests there with social distancing requirements in place, and they can serve alcohol along with any food orders.
As of September 28, restaurants in the Commonwealth will also be allowed to seat up to ten people at a table.
That's good news to Robert McAree, owner of J.J. Grimsby's restaurant in Melrose, who said he's especially glad to be able to serve larger parties.
"That is terrific news, we have a lot of retirement parties and stuff like that, there's been a lot of inquiries," he said. "It's been difficult for people to be cooped up for this long, and try to hold back from embracing other people and sitting at the same table."
Boston Mayor Marty Walsh said restaurants in the City will not be allowing ten people per table; the maximum allowed in Boston will remain at six people per table.
WBZ NewsRadio's Karyn Regal reports:
Follow WBZ NewsRadio: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | iHeartmedia App
(Photo: Getty Images)