You are reading

Restaurants, Bars and Gyms Must Close By 10 p.m. Statewide, Beginning Friday: Cuomo

Photo: Stock Unplash @lucabravo

Nov. 11, 2020 By Allie Griffin

Restaurants, bars and gyms across New York State must close by 10 p.m. beginning Friday, Governor Andrew Cuomo announced today.

Cuomo said the new mandates were needed since the COVID-19 infection rate continues to rise across the state. He told reporters that bars and restaurants play an outsized role in the spread of the virus.

The new restrictions, which take effect Friday, mean eateries in New York City must shutter their indoor dining areas two hours earlier than currently allowed. Presently, bars and restaurants must close indoor dining at midnight and outdoor dining at 11 p.m.

The governor said restaurants and bars must shut down both indoor and outdoor dining by 10 p.m.

The restrictions are going to have a significant impact on bars and restaurants as winter approaches.

“The cut back to our indoor hours will hurt our industry the most especially as the weather gets cold,” said Nick Murphy, co-owner of Bar 43 in Sunnyside. “I’m not hopeful about the winter.”

Bars and restaurants will still be able to provide takeout and delivery of food past 10. p.m. However, takeout and delivery of alcohol is not allowed past the 10 p.m. curfew under the new rules.

Gyms are also subject to a 10 p.m. curfew beginning Friday. Gyms are another “identified” coronavirus spreader, Cuomo said.

The governor also announced that no more than 10 people will be permitted to gather at private homes statewide. This is in line with nearby states, such as New Jersey, which has put a similar cap in place.

Cuomo said indoor parties are another “great spreader” of COVID-19, as identified by state contact tracers.

“Bars, restaurants, gyms, house parties — that’s where [coronavirus spread] is coming from, primarily,” Cuomo said. “Those are the ones that we can address.”

Cuomo enacted the mandates as COVID-19 cases are on the rise in New York and nationwide.

The COVID-19 positivity rate in New York reached 2.93 percent yesterday — which is below many surrounding states’ rates. However, the positivity rate has steadily increased since summer ended when it was below one percent.

email the author: news@queenspost.com
No comments yet

Leave a Comment
Reply to this Comment

All comments are subject to moderation before being posted.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Recent News

Unwind after hours at these cozy Queens cafes

Jul. 25, 2025 By Jessica Militello

Forget the bars and crowded clubs — Queens is brimming with charming cafes that keep their doors open well past sunset, offering a perfect alternative for those who want to meet up for a late-night hangout without the alcohol. From authentic Yemeni coffee houses to bakeries with outdoor garden patios, check out these Queens cafes for your next late-night catch-up with friends, or for a cozy date night plan.

Cool off this summer with margaritas in Queens

Jul. 25, 2025 By Paulina Albarracin

The summer season ushers in outdoor adventures, extended daylight hours and sweltering heat, making it the perfect time to kick back at a local restaurant or bar and order a refreshing margarita. Sipping on this tequila-infused cocktail is one of the best ways to beat the heat and revel with margarita connoisseurs in your neighborhood.

A slice of legacy: Carlo’s Pizzeria keeps Sicilian tradition alive in Middle Village

Jul. 18, 2025 By Christy Hinko

On Metropolitan Avenue, between 74th and 75th streets in Middle Village, Carlo’s Pizzeria isn’t just a place to grab a slice — it’s a place where history is folded into every piece of dough, sauce and cheese. The beloved neighborhood pizzeria has been serving Queens for nearly 60 years, now led by third-generation owner Anthony Caruana, who proudly carries forward the dream his grandfather brought from Sicily.