Phased Out

 

We all hoped 2021 would bring a breath of fresh air, but with the new year came tighter COVID-19 restrictions around the city of New Orleans and state of Louisiana. The restrictions included New Orleans moving back to a modified Phase 1, brings more heartache to couples trying to say, “I Do.”

Though the current phase is “modified” there are limitations that pose challenges for anyone hoping for a large event. Outlined below are the specifications for various wedding and event space.

 

Indoor events and venues and Reception Halls have specific guidelines according to ready.nola.gov.

Those guidelines include:

  • Indoor Event Venues and Reception Halls can only hold events where all individuals are part of one single household, while following the State Fire Marshal guidelines for Event Venues. State guidelines include but are not limited to the following restrictions:
    • Individuals must be able to maintain a six-foot distance between each other.
    • Events are limited to timed, seated events.
    • No buffets or dancing.
    • Service and sales of alcoholic beverages shall only occur between the hours of 8 a.m. and 11 p.m.
    • Indoor live entertainment is only allowed with a Special Event Permit or Certificate of Registration. Singing, karaoke, and wind-blown instruments are prohibited. Read more about live entertainment permitting.
  • Indoor Event Venues and Reception Halls must also follow the additional restrictions required by the City of New Orleans listed below:
    • Face coverings are required at all times except while eating and drinking.

 

Restaurants, which many couples use for showers and other wedding-related gatherings have their own sets of rules and guidelines under the current modified phase.

  • Restaurants shall be allowed to open at 25% of indoor permitted occupancy and 100% of outdoor permitted occupancy while following the State Fire Marshal guidelines for Restaurants Cafes Bars. State guidelines include but are not limited to the following restrictions:
    • Service and sales of alcoholic beverages for on-premises consumption shall only occur between the hours of 8 a.m. and 11 p.m.
    • All alcohol sales must be accompanied by food sales.
    • Tables must be arranged to keep parties at least six feet apart.
  • Restaurants must also follow the additional restrictions required by the City of New Orleans listed below:
    • No seating shall be allowed at the physical bar.
    • Only a household of 6 or less may sit at each table.
    • Food service establishments licensed as standard restaurants under the CZO that provide table service will be required to utilize a reservation system to track names and phone numbers of customers, keep this information for 21 days, and provide it to LDH if requested for contact tracing purposes.
    • Restaurants licensed as fast food, specialty restaurants, or carry-out restaurants, or standard restaurants where patrons order food from a counter, must designate areas for ordering that are at least six feet apart. These areas should be clearly marked on the floor for customer convenience. Marks should also indicate six-foot distances between patrons waiting in line to order.
    • Patrons must wear masks unless actively eating or drinking.
    • Private events must adhere strictly to the guidelines, guidance from the State Fire Marshal, and the gathering size limits.
    • Takeout and delivery are highly encouraged.
    • Restaurants are required to prohibit customers from loitering outside of the premises if such customers are not practicing social distancing or wearing masks. Restaurants that fail to prohibit such loitering may be prohibited from offering take-out services.
    • Service and sales of alcoholic beverages for off-premises consumption shall only occur between the hours of 8 a.m. and 11 p.m.
    • Outdoor live entertainment is only allowed with a Special Event Permit.
    • Indoor instrumental live entertainment is only allowed in restaurants with a Special Event Permit or Certificate of Registration. Singing, karaoke, and wind-blown instruments are prohibited.

 

And finally, ready.nola.gov provided specific Wedding guidelines and restrictions under the modified Phase 1 that fall in line with the indoor event, reception halls and restaurant guidelines.

  • Weddings shall only be allowed where all individuals are part of one single household, while following the State Fire Marshal guidelines for Event Venues. State guidelines include but are not limited to the following restrictions:
    • Individuals must be able to maintain a six-foot distance between each other.
    • Events are limited to timed, seated events.
    • No buffets or dancing.
    • Service and sales of alcoholic beverages shall only occur between the hours of 8 a.m. and 11 p.m.
  • Indoor and outdoor weddings must also follow the additional restrictions required by the City of New Orleans listed below:
    • Face coverings are required at all times except while eating and drinking.
    • If your event is not allowed by the establishment’s zoning designation, you must apply for a special event permit.
    • Outdoor live entertainment is only allowed with a Special Event Permit.
    • Indoor live entertainment is only allowed with a Special Event Permit or Certificate of Registration. Singing, karaoke, and wind-blown instruments are prohibited indoors. Read more about live entertainment permitting.

 

The pandemic has inspired couple’s and their bridal squads and vendors to become creative and find new ways of celebrating. So far, 2021 hasn’t brought loosened restrictions  with it, at least for the first half of the year. So couple’s planning to say, “I Do,” in New Orleans between now and the end of the year need to continue to stay on top of rules and guidelines for the state, as well as the city, and keep faith that, though the wedding road may be bumpy, there is sure to be a Happily Ever After, no matter what.

 

 

 

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