As of May 31, the Twenty-Seventh Continuation of Statewide Public Health order #2 has eased restrictions and policies for indoor gatherings across Wyoming. In wake of the order, restaurants, bars, and other businesses in Laramie are left to decide their own COVID-19 policies.
According to the Wyoming Department of Health, Wyoming has 29.47% of the total population vaccinated. Albany county currently holds the second highest state vaccine rate with 40.06%, falling behind Teton county with 54.47%.
As such, some Laramie businesses are feeling good about gearing up to return to the old-normal.
Retail services in Laramie are also easing what they ask of patrons. Walmart and Ridley’s are still hanging signs asking for shoppers to mask up and stay socially distant, but a walk through the aisles show that the health policies of the past are more recommendation than requirement.
Many of the chain restaurants around Laramie are still following health and safety guidelines to varying degrees.
Places like Rib and Chop and Applebee’s are still asking for customers to wear masks before they are seated. Others, such as Perkins or Chilis, are not allowing patron choice.
All of these places are still requiring strict cleaning policies and have mandated that staff follow all set guidelines.
The Laramie Chamber of Commerce said, “While the specifics of COVID procedure are in the hands of business operators, everyone is surely doing what they can to keep every visit and outing as safe and fun as possible.”
Other places in Laramie that are following the staff health policy while giving patrons a choice to wear masks include Thai Spice, Dickey’s Barbecue, McAlister’s Deli and Niko Sushi.
Some local establishments are following set guidelines.
“We want to give people the opportunity to get out of their homes and enjoy a meal with us. If we can avoid giving them COVID-19 in the process, all the better,” William Renner, who works at 17th Street Cafe, said.
17th Street Cafe is trying to hold true to COVID regulations according to Renner. The establishment has firmly asked for all patrons to wear masks alongside their own staff.
Till Orzoco, a waiter at Sweet Melissa’s Café and Front Street Tavern said, “Frankly it’s getting harder to enforce any mask situation. So more often than not, what we see is people who do what they want anyways.”
Bond’s Brewing Company is increasing the max capacity rates, while still trying to implement social distancing measures. Alibi Wood Fire Pizzeria heavily advertised their desire to clean and create a safe environment.
Altitude Chophouse and Brewery has also shifted their focus to cleaning, rather than requiring masks.
Altitude’s official response to our request for comment is, “It’s a challenge to mandate everything. At this point, it’s about what we as owners or managers can do to increase safety for anyone who comes, whether or not they wear a mask or are vaccinated.”
As the vaccination rate rises in Laramie and Wyoming at large, rules may be dropped or altered. In the meantime, anyone looking for a night out on a town who is curious about safety procedures should call ahead to get the most up to date info on any business’s policies and requirements.
