The Asbury Park mayor and council voted at its virtual meeting Wed., June 10 to allow indoor dining at its restaurants when Governor Philip Murphy’s directive to allow outdoor dining begins at 6 a.m. on Mon., June 15.
Deputy Mayor Amy Quinn moved a motion to allow inside dining after Deputy City Manager and Director of Transportation Michael Manzella presented plans and guidelines for closing streets to vehicle traffic to allow for outdoor dining and foot traffic.
Calling the move “historical” Mayor John Moor said the city is the first in the state to allow indoor dining since the state lockdown began.
“Sorry Trenton, we’re going to open restaurants and businesses, and we’re going to do it responsibly,” he said.
Deputy Mayor Quinn, referring to the Governor’s lifting of the stay at home order, in place since mid March, said if 50 people or 25 percent capacity will be allowed in general, why not apply that to restaurants.
Quinn said restaurants will be required to adhere to the state guidelines, which include wearing masks, social distancing and use of hand sanitizer.
Moor said if the governor can say people can go to a rally with 15,000 people, why can’t you go to a restaurant.
