Based On These Restrictions Caribbean Joe's Will NOT reopen This Weekend

With all due respect towards Worcester County requirements  we have chosen to hold out for phase II  to reopen. 

The mere fact that we feel it will overwhelm so many different departments to approve or even disapprove these requirements and so many businesses in need of inspections we have chosen to hold out till phase II and see where things go from there. In order to make outdoor seating for a simple weekend, (financially) makes no sense at this time. One week just isn't worth it. On Thursday we went out, (once again for three weeks now) and purchased everything necessary to restock for opening Saturday and ultimately we received the requirements below helping me to make this decision. I'm growing tired of expenditures only to get shot down once again. 

As you will read below I'm confident all of you will understand why it is just impossible to meet all these requirements. Trust me, we want more than anything to stop this roller coaster ride to end and get back to work but how can we do so within just hours to make it happen and each and everyone to enjoy what "used to be". We will see what phase II brings and go from there but I have to admit, we're very disappointed and we're sorry we cannot deliver. 

I had in depth conversations with my entire staff and they firmly agreed with this final decision. ALL of us want to go back to work but the conditions are NOT what bars and restaurants are here for. We wish the very best to those who do choose to open and hopefully in the very near future we can all go back to business as usual. Thanks for understanding.

Must follow current MARYLAND STRONG: ROADMAP TO RECOVERY and all CDC Guidelines General Guidelines for Outdoor Seating

• Must adhere to all conditions of the Governor’s most current executive order as it pertains to physical distancing, face coverings and hygiene for retail and food service establishments.
• Outdoor seating space, tents and barriers shall not block fire department access for emergency apparatus, sprinkler fire department connections, fire hydrants or knox box accessibility.
• The outdoor dining area shall be clearly delineated by railings, stanchions, or other suitable barriers and shown on the plan. No service shall be permitted outside the delineated area.
• Handicap access to and from seating to the building, restrooms and parking areas shall be shown. Must maintain a clear, marked path for pedestrians, a minimum of six feet.
• Outdoor seating or new use areas may not be located within a required yard setback, stormwater management facility, drainage area or closer than ten feet to any well.
• Outdoor seating will be limited by state restrictions on restaurant capacity, but in no instance can previously permitted seating levels for the food service facility be exceeded.
• Seating that is not used due to state capacity restrictions must be removed or roped off and restricted for public use with appropriate signage.
• Customers shall be served only when seated at tables. No standees.
• Must maintain six feet between tables as measured from the closest chair to closest chair as measured when occupied.
• Adequate on-site parking must be provided as required by the Zoning Ordinance for the size of the use area as determined by the Zoning Administrator.
• No outdoor food or beverage prep shall be permitted, nor shall a bar structure be permitted.
• No outside music or sound system shall be permitted in the temporary outdoor seating area.
• Social distancing must be maintained. No waiting queues are permitted; patrons required to make reservations or have a mobile device notification.
• Outdoor area must close the earlier of 10:00 P.M. (Sunday – Thursday) / 11:00 P.M. (Friday and Saturday) unless required to close earlier by the Board of License Commissioners.
• The plan should identify any lighting or other safety measures to be utilized during the evening hours of operation.
• Signage of customer requirements shall also be posted at each buffet table and for restrooms. Directional signage, ropes or stanchions will be required to manage the flow of customers through the buffet lines and back and forth to the restrooms to ensure proper physical distancing.
• Must contact Environmental Health Department for operational procedures, including cleaning and sanitizing.
• No portable restrooms shall be permitted.

NOTE: A separate permit will be required to be obtained from the Worcester County Health Department.

THERE SHALL BE NO FEES ASSOCIATED WITH THIS REQUEST.