DETROIT – Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has laid out a two-step process to reopen the state.
The process starts by relaxing restrictions on Tuesday (June 1) and ending almost all COVID orders on July 1.
Starting Tuesday there will be no capacity limits for outdoor gatherings and there will be a 50% capacity for indoor gatherings. The curfew on Michigan restaurants is also now lifted.
READ: 7 facts to know about Michigan’s new plan to fully reopen, return to normal
With the outdoor capacity limits lifted, that means outdoor concert venues, stadiums and other outdoor events can go on without any capacity restrictions.
Since there is a 50% capacity cap for indoor venues, that means restaurant dining areas can only open that much. However, tables will be able to seat more than six people and the tables won’t have to be six feet apart. People on dance floors and other communal spaces also don’t have to social distance.
The 11 p.m. curfew for restaurants has also now been lifted. That means bars can stay open three hours longer. There are also no longer capacity limits on residential gatherings.
On July 1 all other capacity limits and the broad mask order will expire.
Hear from the owner of HopScotch and Bourbon in Roseville
Darren Lee owns HopScotch and Bourbon in Roseville. The gastropub is still closed because they’re having a hard time finding staff.
The plan to open Wednesday, but won’t be able to open to feed a lunch crowd. Lee said the pandemic and restrictions put his business in a position where opening back up doesn’t make a lot of sense but he does have plans to open 7 days a week again.
The current business model is standing room only. Ten tables with 30 chairs, having most patrons stand and listen to the music in small groups. His new capacity, with the restrictions easing, will be 225 people.
“The tables are still far apart. I’m not offering any of the extra tables or chairs right away. I’m waiting until the business ramps up and we have a need for those tables and chairs,” Lee said.
He believes the end to the 11 p.m. curfew will take some getting used to but customers will get used to it quickly. A number of other restaurant owners reported being short staffed and they also plan to slowly ramp up business.
READ: Later last call: Curfew on Michigan restaurants, bars lifted today