The Montgomery County Council has voted to allow indoor dining starting on Sunday, just in time for hopeful Valentine’s Day diners.
Restaurants could only seat customers up to 25% of capacity and there’s a 90-minute time limit, under the executive order endorsed Tuesday. The changes will go into effect 7 a.m. Sunday.
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Alcohol sales should still be suspended at 10 p.m., masks are required and tables are limited to six guests, under the executive order approved with a 7-2 vote.
Montgomery County was the only jurisdiction in Maryland that still did not allow indoor dining.
Frustrated restaurant owners say customers could just walk a few blocks to other jurisdictions that allow indoor dining.
Several council members echoed a sentiment that while they wouldn’t dine indoors for their own safety, it’s up to residents if they want to do so.
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The rate of new cases has been falling for the past 30 days, however, officials say there’s still a very high risk of transmission.
