LITTLE ROCK – Restaurants in Arkansas may resume limited dine-in service on May 11 under Phase 1 guidelines that require daily health screening of staff, use of face masks and gloves, and strict social distancing, Governor Hutchinson announced at his daily press briefing today.

“Based on current data that shows we have slowed the spread of COVID-19, we have decided it is safe to resume dine-in restaurant service with some common-sense limits,” Governor Hutchinson said. “This is a significant but cautious step on the path back to normalcy. We will monitor the success of this step, and move to Phase 2 as quickly as we safely can.”

The restrictions on dine-in service under this directive include:

Phase 1

• Restaurants must limit number of customers to one-third of total capacity.

• Tables must be ten feet apart so that diners will be seated six feet away from diners at other tables.

• Each employee who directly interacts with patrons must wear a face mask that completely covers nose and mouth. Kitchen staff and others are encouraged to wear a mask.

• Each employee must wear gloves. Gloves should be changed between each customer, customer group, or task.

• Management must conduct a daily health screening of all employees before they enter the restaurant. An employee with a cough, sore throat, fever, or shortness of breath must not enter the restaurant.

• Patrons must wear a face covering until the food or drink is served.

• Salad bars, buffets, and other self-serve features will remain closed.

• Groups must be 10 or fewer customers.

• Tables, chairs, salt/pepper shakers, condiment containers, and napkin holders will be cleaned and disinfected after each customer.

• Bars and entertainment operations (such as live music, in-seat gaming devices, or arcades) are prohibited.

• Normal service of alcohol within the restaurant seating area is allowed.

• Restrooms should be disinfected frequently.

• Service may be declined to patrons not wearing masks. 

These Phase 1 restrictions will remain in place until Secretary of Health Dr. Nate Smith determines that they may be relaxed or discontinued.

If you are not a member of the media and have questions or concerns about COVID-19, you can contact the Arkansas Department of Health at 1-800-803-7847 or visit ar.gov/covid.