REVISED COVID-19 GUIDELINES
PER GOVERNOR HOGAN’S
EXECUTIVE ORDER OF MAY 12, 2021
EFFECTIVE MAY 15, 2021 AT 12:01 AM
LIQUOR STORES
1) ALL staff, employees and customers wear masks properly over nose & mouth at all times while inside the licensed premises.
RESTAURANTS, BARS & CLUBS
1) Indoor and Outdoor Dining may resume at normal capacity and operations.
2) Takeout and delivery services are encouraged to continue.
3) ALL staff, employees, MUST wear masks properly over nose & mouth at ALL times.
4) Customers must wear masks at ALL times indoors and can only be removed when consuming food & drink.
5) Indoor Bands, Live Entertainment, Karaoke, Dance Floor & Pool Activity must wear masks at all times.
Mask mandates will be enforced.
Fines – Suspension – Closure
Possible
REVISED COVID-19 GUIDELINES
EFFECTIVE MAY 1, 2021 AT 12:01 AM PER GOVENOR HOGAN’S
EXECUTIVE ORDER OF APRIL 28, 2021
BARS, CLUBS, SOCIAL CLUBS, NIGHT CLUBS & RESTAURANTS
OUTDOOR DINING
1) Outdoor dining capacity and distancing guidelines will be lifted, and standing service may resume outdoors at bars and restaurants.
TAKEOUT AND DELIVERY
1) Takeout and delivery services are encouraged to continue.
HOURS OF OPERATION
1) Indoor and outdoor dining operations are permitted during normal business hours.
EMPLOYEES
1) All staff, employees and customers MUST WEAR MASKS properly over nose & mouth at all times while at the licensed premises, inside and out.
INDOOR DINING
1) Customers masks can only be removed when seated and consuming food or beverages.
2) Customers must be seated at a table or bar when ordering or consuming food or beverages.
3) Modify table arrangements to ensure customers are seated at least 6 feet away from each other, except for households or a group seated together.
4) Ensure that customers seated at a bar must comply with the appropriate physical distancing guidelines of at least 6 feet, except for households or a group seated together.
a) Prohibit standing in a bar area,
b) If the bar area is used to fulfill carry-out food and drink orders, a 4 designated waiting area should be established with 6 feet of separation from seated customers at the bar: and
b) Visual markings should be used to establish six feet of separation between those in line for carry-out service.
6) Allow seating at adjacent booths so long as a physical barrier (including, but not limited to a plexiglass shield) separate the adjacent booths from each other and prevent persons in adjacent booths from any physical contact while either seated or standing (i.e., a height of at least 6 feet from the floor to the top of the barrier) or every other booth must be closed if there is no physical barrier.
7) There should be no standing or congregating of people at any time.
LIQUOR STORES - RETAIL LICENSED ESTABLISHMENTS
Capacity guidelines have been lifted but the following are still in place!
1) All staff, employees and customers MUST WEAR MASKS properly over nose & mouth at all times while inside the licensed premises.
2) There should be no standing or congregating of people at any time.
3) Patrons must be 6 feet apart.
INDOOR BANDS, LIVE ENTERTAINMENT & KARAOKE
1) Band Members must wear masks at all times.
2) There must be a 6 ft. area spacing around the stage or band, separate from the dance floor.
3) Karaoke Co. and Live Entertainment must be wearing a mask at all times including while singing or Lip Syncing.
4) Masks maybe removed while seated and consuming a meal or drink.
INDOOR DANCE FLOOR
1) Everyone on the dance floor must be wearing a mask at all times.
2) There must be a 6 ft. distance between all persons on dance floor.
POOL TABLE ACTIVITY
Governor Hogan’s Emergency Order Number 20-06-10-01 and the Governor’s letter dated July 14, 2020 dictates requirements for Pool Table activities & contests.
1) Pool players must wear masks at all times properly over nose & mouth.
2) Participants and guests must be seated six (6) feet from other players and/or guests when not actively shooting pool.
3) Standing and congregating is strictly prohibited.
4) Maximum occupancy guidelines must be adhered to.
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EFFECTIVE FEBRUARY 1, 2021 AT 12:01 AM PER GOVENOR HOGAN’S
EXECUTIVE ORDER OF JANUARY 28, 2021
BARS, CLUBS, SOCIAL CLUBS, NIGHT CLUBS & RESTAURANTS
1) Takeout and delivery services are encouraged to continue.
2) In-person dining operations are permitted during normal business hours
3) It is required all staff, employees and customers wear masks properly
over nose & mouth at all times while at the licensed premises, inside and out.
4) Customers masks can only be removed when seated and consuming food or beverages.
5) Customers must be seated at a table or bar when ordering or consuming food or beverages.
6) It is required you follow the 50% capacity guidelines for the entire licensed premises.
7) All tables must be spaced 6 feet apart with a maximum of 6 people per table.
8) Bar seating must be 6 feet apart.
9) Every other booth must be closed to observe social distancing.
10) There should be no standing or congregating of people at any time.
CLEANING AND SANITIZING
1) Clean and sanitize menus and tables between seatings in accordance with CDC and MDH
guidelines, using cleaning products that meet the criteria of the U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency for use against COVID-19.
LIQUOR STORES - RETAIL LICENSED ESTABLISHMENTS
1) It is required all staff, employees and customers wear masks properly
over nose & mouth at all times while at the licensed premises.
2) It is required you follow the 50% capacity guidelines for the entire licensed premises.
BANDS, LIVE ENTERTAINMENT & KARAOKE
1) Band Members must wear masks at all times.
2) There must be a 6 ft. area spacing around the stage or band, separate from the dance floor.
3) Karaoke Co. and Live Entertainment must be wearing a mask at all times including while singing or Lip Syncing.
4) Masks maybe removed while seated and consuming a meal or drink.
DANCE FLOOR
1) Everyone on the dance floor must be wearing a mask at all times.
2) There must be a 6 ft. distance between all persons on dance floor.
POOL TABLE ACTIVITY
Governor Hogan’s Emergency Order Number 20-06-10-01 and the Governor’s letter dated July 14, 2020 dictates requirements for Pool Table activities & contests.
1) Pool players must wear masks at all times properly over nose & mouth.
2) Participants and guests must be seated six (6) feet from other players and/or guests when not actively shooting pool.
3) Standing and congregating is strictly prohibited.
4) Maximum occupancy guidelines must be adhered to.
These mandates will be enforced with possible:
Fines
Suspension
Closure
Effective September 18, 2020 - Based on the Governor Hogan's Executive Order all licensed establishments can open at 75% capacity but they must follow the wearing of the masks and the social distancing guidelines as set forth by previous Executive Orders.
Effective July 14, 2020 - Guidelines for Pool Tables
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Effective July 14, 2020 - Based on a letter received by Governor Larry Hogan it states -
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July 14, 2020
Dear County Leaders:
STATE OF MARYLAND
OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR
While states across the country and in our region are experiencing spikes and outbreaks, Maryland's key COVID-19 health metrics continue to decline. However, we are closely monitoring some concerning trends, including increasing infection rates among young people. The positivity rate among Marylander's under the age of 35 is now 84% higher than Marylander's 35 and older.
An increasing number of COVID-19 cases have been connected to non-compliance with public health requirements, particularly in bars and restaurants. Businesses that fail to comply with the state's orders put their customers and employees at grave risk, and jeopardize our safe, effective, and gradual recovery.
At least 12 states have already moved to re-close bars and restaurants- we do not want to be forced to take the same action here in Maryland. Under Executive Order 20-06-10-01, which was issued on June 10, and the accompanying directives from the Maryland Department of Health:
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Bars and restaurants are open for seated service only with physical distancing and capacity restrictions. Customers must be seated at least six feet apart from other guests. Standing and congregating in bar areas is strictly prohibited.
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All staff must wear a face covering while working and interacting with customers.
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For facilities with booths, every other booth must be closed.
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No more than six people may sit at a table.
The vast majority of bars and restaurants in our state are in compliance, BUT some are flagrantly violating the law and endangering public health. You have the responsibility to enforce these laws. Violators should be warned, fined, have actions taken regarding their licenses, or closed if necessary. Local health departments, local liquor boards and inspectors, and local law enforcement agencies must work together to ensure public health is protected.
Our continued economic health and recovery depend on the active and aggressive local enforcement of these critical public health measures. We cannot allow a small segment of willful violators to squander the collective efforts of the overwhelming majority of Maryland citizens and businesses.
Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter.
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Effective June 19, 2020 - Based on the Comptroller of Maryland Field Enforcement - Licensee's that currently have a Beer or Wine or Liquor Tasting License can now do tastings but following the social distancing guidelines. All Licensee's that had tastings remaining based on the Covid-19 will roll over to this fiscal years 2020 license.
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Effective June 12, 2020 at 5 pm - Based on the Governor Hogans Order - We are moving into the completion of Stage 2 of our road to recovery - Restaurants, Bars, Nightclubs, Clubs and Country Clubs that sell or serve food OR beverages for consumption on-premises in Maryland, and Social Clubs with dining facilities can:
1. serve food and beverages to customers for consumption in outdoor seating areas;
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2. sell food and beverages that are promptly taken from the premises, i.e., on a carry-out or drive-through basis.
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3. deliver food and beverages to customers off the premises; and
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4. effective as of 5:00 p.m. on June 12, 2020, serve food and beverages to customers for consumption in indoor seating areas.
Restaurants, Bars, Nightclubs, Clubs and Country Clubs that sell or serve food OR beverages must:
1. require all staff to wear Face Coverings, in accordance with the Face Coverings Order;
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2. not allow the number of persons in the Restaurants, Bars and Clubs to exceed 50% of the Establishment’s Maximum Occupancy;
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3. not serve food in a buffet format;
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4. not serve customers who are not seated; they must be seated at a table, booth or bar area following the social distancing guidelines.
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5. clean and disinfect each table between each seating in accordance with CDC and MDH guidelines, using cleaning products that meet the criteria of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for use against COVID-19.
Effective June 3, 2020 Based on the Governor Hogans Speech - We are moving into the beginning of Stage 2 of our road to recovery - There were NO Changes made to Restaurants, Bars, Social and Fraternal Clubs so they can still operate as stated in the Governors Order for May 27, 2020 - Restaurants, Bars, Social and Fraternal Clubs, can now serve food and beverages to customers for consumption in outdoor seating areas, with the approval of the Board. Licensed Establishments that already have existing patios or sidewalk café can use them but you must follow the guidelines for social distancing stated forth by the Governor. Carry out / Curbside and deliveries are still also allowed.
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LET’S BE RESPONSIBLE TOGETHER
IN KEEPING WITH THE SPIRIT OF
GOVERNOR HOGAN’S ORDERS
THE WASHINGTON COUNTY LIQUOR BOARD IS TEMPORARLY PERMITTING OUTSIDE SEATING
PLEASE SUBMIT YOUR REQUEST WITH A
DRAWING / SKETCH & PHOTO(S)
OF THE PROPOSED OUTSIDE SEATING AREA IN RELATION TO YOUR LICENSED ESTABLISHMENT FOR APPROVAL.
Still effective from Friday, May 29, 2020 at 5 pm
Effective May 27, 2020 Based on the Governor Hogans Speech - We are in the completion stage of Phase 1 - With this change Restaurants, Bars, Social and Fraternal Clubs, can now serve food and beverages to customers for consumption in outdoor seating areas, with the approval of the Board. Licensed Establishments that already have existing patios or sidewalk café can use them but you must follow the guidelines for social distancing stated forth by the Governor. Carry out / Curbside and deliveries are still also allowed.
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LET’S BE RESPONSIBLE TOGETHER
IN KEEPING WITH THE SPIRIT OF
GOVERNOR HOGAN’S ORDERS
THE WASHINGTON COUNTY LIQUOR BOARD IS TEMPORARLY PERMITTING OUTSIDE SEATING
PLEASE SUBMIT YOUR REQUEST WITH A
DRAWING / SKETCH & PHOTO(S)
OF THE PROPOSED OUTSIDE SEATING AREA IN RELATION TO YOUR LICENSED ESTABLISHMENT FOR APPROVAL.
This goes into effect Friday, May 29, 2020 at 5 pm
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Effective May 13, 2020 Based on the Governor Hogans Speech - We are in Phase 1 and everything is still operating as they have since his speech on March 23rd and March 25, 2020.
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Effective March 25, 2020 Based on the Delegations interpretation - (attached letter) - pertaining doing carryout and delivery of alcohol in cups with lids (must have a label or something that goes from the lid to the container and it cannot be any 3rd party delivery companies).
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Effective March 23, 2020 Based on Governor Hogan's Speech
All Licensed Establishments are still allowed to operate as below.
In compliance with the Executive Order by the Governor of the State of Maryland to close all BARS, RESTAURANTS, CLUBS, MOVIE THEATERS AND GYMS on March 16, 2020:
No Loitering or consuming alcohol inside or outside the licensed premise, including patios.
The following is permitted by the Board of License Commissioners
until such time as rescinded: ​
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1. Class B & Class D – On & Off Sale License
can offer Carry Out of food and alcohol. All alcohol products must be in a factory sealed container.
2. Class B-Restaurant – On Sale Only license
can offer Carry Out of food and alcohol. All alcohol products must be in a factory sealed container.
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3. Class C – Clubs - On Sale Only license
can offer Carry Out of food and alcohol. All alcohol products must be in a factory sealed container.
4. Class C – Country Clubs - On Sale Only license
can offer Carry Out of food and alcohol. All alcohol products must be in a factory sealed container.
Alcohol can be consumed on the golf course.
5. All Tastings have been rescinded.
Holders must cancel all tastings and fax a notice of cancellation to 301-797-4599.
6. There are no new restrictions on hours of operations at this time.
7. Any licensee may request a TEMPORARY DELIVERY LICENSE, for deliveries of alcohol by email to admin@wcliquorboard.com or call 301-797-4591. This Temporary Delivery License may be extended upon request or rescinded at any time.
a) Deliveries can only be made after receipt of Temporary Delivery License.
b) Delivery hours are 11 am to 11 pm, seven days a week.
c) Deliveries can only be made by an employee of the licensee, who must be 21 years of age or older and be alcohol awareness certified.
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d) Person accepting delivery of alcohol must be 21 years of age or older and must have a valid photo ID.
​d) NO THIRD-PARTY DELIVERY COMPANIES CAN BE USED AT ANY TIME.
The State of Maryland decisions take precedence.
If you have any questions, please contact the Liquor Board
at 301-797-4591 or email admin@wcliquorboard.com​
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Thank you and be safe!
The Washington County Liquor Board is taking this very seriously and we want to make sure that your Establishments are following these guidelines that are put in place.