NCRLA is closely monitoring the COVID-19 crisis, and we’re committed to bringing you timely updates on what it means for the hospitality industry. NCRLA is working around the clock with state leaders, industry partners, and subject matter experts to advocate for policies that support businesses and employees.
Take Action Now to Help the Hospitality Industry
It is more important than ever for industry members and allies to reach out to their elected officials and let them know the impact that Coronavirus is having on your business and employees.
- HotelsAct -Contact Your Representatives in Washington Here!
Executive Orders
Executive Order 180 was issued November 23, 2020 to enforce the face covering requirements and allow law enforcement the ability to enforce face covering requirements. This order is in effect until December 11, 2020 at 5:00 p.m. Read the FAQ.
Local law enforcement may cite a person or business for failure to comply with the face coverings requirement. If an employee or guest refuses to comply with the face coverings requirement, law enforcement may enforce trespassing laws.
***New- Further mask requirements for restaurants:
• Restaurants must have all workers wear Face Coverings.
• In addition, these establishments must have all Guests wear Face
Coverings (including at their table) when they are not actively drinking
or eating.
Executive Order 176 was issued November 10, 2020 and extends Phase 3 “Safer at Home” until 5:00 p.m. December 4, 2020.
Executive Order 176- FAQ 11/10
Highlights of Phase 3 include:
NEW*** The limit on mass gatherings was reduced to 10 people indoors and 50 people outdoors. However, businesses remain under the capacity limits below***
- Restaurants can continue to open at 50 percent dine-in capacity with distancing and cleaning requirements. Read more…
- Bars will be allowed to operate outdoors at 30% capacity, or 100, whichever is less.
- Conference centers (including meeting space in a hotel), event space, and movie theaters will be allowed to open indoor at 30% of capacity, or 100, whichever is less.
- Small outdoor venues will be allowed to open at 30% of outdoor capacity, or 100, whichever is less.
- Large outdoor venues (seating>10,000) 7% occupancy
- Amusement parks will be allowed to open at 30% of outdoor capacity with limits per ride.
- Capacity limits at restaurants, museums, gyms, and personal care businesses like hair and nail salons will remain the same.
Overview of New Phase 3 Interim Guidance
- Meeting Rooms and Event Spaces
- Very Large Outdoor Venue Settings
- Indoor and Outdoor Small and Medium Size Venue Settings
- Movie Theaters and Indoor Gaming
- Bars and Outdoor Seating Areas in Bars
- Amusement Parks
- Places of Worship and Religious Services
- General Guidance for Businesses and Organizations
- Fall-Related Events
- Museum and Aquariums
- Indoor Fitness Centers and Gyms Settings
Executive Order 147-Face Coverings remains in effect and directs people to wear face coverings when in public places where physical distancing is not possible. Businesses are required to post signs notifying guests of this requirement.
FAQ: Mask Requirement Guidance
Signage for Businesses
Alcohol Curfew- This curfew was combined with Phase 3 under Executive Order 169 and was extended in Executive Order 170- Phase 3 Extension.
Read More: Governor Roy Cooper’s Executive Orders
Count On Me NC
North Carolina Restaurant & Lodging Association, NCDHHS, NC State Extension and Visit North Carolina have partnered to create the Count on Me NC initiative, a free online training for restaurant managers and staff that is focused on advanced cleaning, disinfection, social distancing, and hygiene practices to protect the public from COVID-19. So far, more 3,500 businesses have already completed the training. Take the training and show others that you are committed to the highest standards of operation during Covid 19. Learn more at CountOnMeNC.org.
