NEW ORLEANS — New Orleans will this week allow bars to open at 25% capacity as it further eases restrictions aimed at preventing the spread of COVID-19.
Mayor LaToya Cantrell announced the plans Monday. Other changes include an increase in the number of people allowed at indoor gatherings from 50 to 100. At outdoor gatherings, it goes from 100 to 150.
The changes begin Wednesday. Officials also said they're making plans for distribution of a vaccine, once one becomes available.
The announcements came after Cantrell harshly criticized organizers of a weekend religious music event in the French Quarter. She said organizers didn't comply with city guidelines and face possible legal action.
New Orleans Phase 3.3 Restrictions:
Click here to visit the City of New Orleans’ website for specific rules for business and operations and guidelines for the business type.
Masks are required in public.
Masks are required when around anyone outside of your household. Masks are not required when engaged in outdoor personal exercise, athletic competition, or when actively eating or drinking.
Social Distancing Required
All activities allowed in Phase Three must include strict social distancing. Businesses, residents, and visitors should ensure 6 feet distance between groups of people who do not live together.
Gathering Sizes
Indoor social gatherings are limited to 100 people. Outdoor social gatherings are limited to 150 people. Masks and social distancing required.Gatherings not at a permitted special event venue must obtain a special event permit from the City.
Open Safely
All businesses and organizations in Orleans Parish must register with the Louisiana State Fire Marshal at opensafely.la.gov to receive sector-specific guidelines for reopening and a certificate of Acknowledgement of Registration, which must be posted at all entrances.
Live Entertainment and Special Events
Indoor live entertainment only allowed with a special event permit at certain venue types. Indoor live entertainment is not allowed at bars or breweries. Singing, karaoke, and wind-blown instruments are prohibited indoors. Outdoor live entertainment is only allowed with a special event permit. Special events and live entertainment permits should be submitted no less than 7 days before the planned event. These permits will be offered without fee if the venue hosting the event has already otherwise paid for the entitlement, including holding an active mayoralty permit.
Alcoholic Beverages
Alcohol sales at restaurants must be accompanied by food sales. Restaurants and event venues can serve alcoholic beverages for on-premises consumption between 8 a.m. and 11 p.m. Restaurants, bars, and event venues can serve to-go alcohol between 8 a.m. and 11 p.m. Packaged liquor sales in the French Quarter and CBD (Mississippi River, the center line of Esplanade Ave., the center line of Rampart St., and the center line of Common St.) limited to the hours of 8 a.m. and 11 p.m.
Allowed to Open at 75% Capacity
Click here to visit the City of New Orleans’ website for specific rules for business and operations and guidelines for the business type.
- Beauty salons, barbershops, and nail salons
- Libraries
- Museums, zoos, aquariums
- Office buildings and businesses
- Restaurants
- Shopping malls and retail stores
- Tattoo, massage, and esthetician services
Allowed to Open with Additional Restrictions
Click here to visit the City of New Orleans’ website for specific rules for business and operations and guidelines for the business type.
- Adult Live Performance Venues
- Bars
- Bars with AR-Conditional permit
- Breweries
- Casinos, racetracks, and video poker establishments
- Community centers
- Concert halls
- Conference venues and meeting rooms
- Event venues
- Gyms and fitness centers
- Houses of worship
- Movie theaters
- Outdoor live entertainment
- Recreation spaces, sports complexes, parks and playgrounds
- Swimming pools
Not Allowed in Phase Three (3.3)
Click here to visit the City of New Orleans’ website for specific rules for business and operations and guidelines for the business type.
- Amusement parks
- Fairs and festivals
- Arcades
- Indoor playground and play centers
- Second lines and parades
- Dance clubs
► Get breaking news from your neighborhood delivered directly to you by downloading the new FREE WWL-TV News app now in the IOS App Store or Google Play.
