In an official communication on Sept. 29, Governor Gordon announced that the Wyoming government would relax COVID-19 restrictions that restaurants had to follow.
“Even in the face of a rising number of active cases, we recognize that the restaurant industry has faced challenges throughout this pandemic,” said Gordon in the communication.
Governor Gordon’s changes came in the form of allowing eight people per table in restaurants in comparison to the previously allowed six as well as no longer requiring restaurants to space out seating in booths or tables. Both measures are designed to allow businesses to regain some lost business while still maintaining a healthy atmosphere.
According to Gordan’s interpretation of Wyoming Department of Health (WDH) data, “sit-down dining in restaurants has not significantly contributed to the spread of COVID-19 throughout the state.”
Laramie restaurants also responded to the changes, like the Library Sports Grille and Brewery.
General Manager Juan Soto was not totally pleased with the changes saying, “We are lucky to have one of the larger dining rooms so things may stay the way they are for us. Bar seating is still not allowed and that is tough because we lose a potential of 12 seats.”
University of Wyoming students within the restaurant industry have also begun to notice the changes.
Austana Smith, a shift lead at Perkins, has worked through the full restrictions, and much prefers the lightened restrictions, saying, “Since restrictions were lessened, I have noticed that things are going back to how they used to be.”
For her, the rules of COVID were never a problem, just another problem to solve.
“I wouldn’t say that my job has been easier or harder (as a result of the COVID restrictions). There are just things you have to get used to and then life goes on,” Smith said. “Some things may be a little tedious, but nothing difficult. For example, limiting how many people can be at a table. That’s not hard, but it can be annoying,” Smith said.
Along with an increased capacity for customer seating, the new regulations have a hint of familiarity for people like Smith.
“I don’t think it’s a bad thing that restrictions were lessened. I think it means that normal is coming back, which we have all been wanting. I personally enjoy seeing the restaurant full again,” said Smith.
Governor Gordon hailed these loosened restrictions as “important steps that will help our restaurants recover and safely welcome more customers throughout the fall and winter.”
In the communication, Gordon continued to praise restaurants themselves for their resilience in these trying times.
“(restaurants) have really responded to ensure the safety of their customers. These are important steps that will help our restaurants recover and safely welcome more customers throughout the fall and winter,” said Gordan.
