States across the country, including D.C. and Maryland, have ordered all bars and restaurants to close for dine-in service as of 10 p.m. March 16. Arlington does not have the legal authority to order the same. However, Libby Garvey, Arlington Board Chair, and Mark Schwartz, Arlington County Manager, are asking, pleading, that Arlington bars and restaurants take responsible action and switch from dine-in service to only offering carryout and delivery.
“We have seen some restaurants get very creative with how to do carryout with social distancing. Encouraging carryout service is a good way to help these small businesses and their staff make it through this challenging time,” they said.
“We plead with all our bars and restaurants that have NOT yet closed their dining rooms to do so as of 10 p.m. tonight (March 16) and not reopen until we can all work out safe ways for patrons to be served in person.
“Otherwise, we will likely be overwhelmed by COVID-19 cases and the health of everyone in Arlington will be in jeopardy.”