New indoor guidelines for Massachusetts restaurants go into effect

BOSTON — Starting Monday, Massachusetts' COVID-19 regulations will allow more people to share a table at restaurants and bar seating will be permitted for food service use.

Gov. Charlie Baker emphasized that bars remain closed in the state but said the space can be used for dining customers, as long as the other restaurant safety guidelines are followed. Massachusetts rules require customers who order drinks to also order food.

"Bars are closed. Nightclubs are closed. But the evidence from other states with respect to this issue are clear. Restaurants can use bar seating for regular food service with appropriate distance in place," Baker said.

Baker said the limit on the number of customers who can share a table at restaurants and indoor or outdoor events will be raised from six to 10.

Boston Mayor Marty Walsh, however, said the city will not participate in all of the state's modifications for restaurant rules because of a recent uptick in COVID-19 cases.

Walsh said Boston will match the state in allowing customers to dine in bar areas, but will not increase the maximum number of customers per table beyond the current limit of six.

"This is in line with the cautious approach that we've been taking on reopening all along, and it's a response to conditions on the ground here in Boston -- higher density, less space around restaurants and the COVID data that we're watching very closely," said Walsh.

Worcester and Framingham are opting out of the changes completely -- citing concerns about case numbers in those communities.

The new seating guidelines apply to indoor and outdoor dining.