Do you know these 10 tips for safe dining out?
Hey, Bud! What do we do now?
—Many readers who love restaurants
I’m rolling back to my personal dining-out advice from May:
▪ Restaurants and food are generally safe. People are not. Stay 6 feet away from anyone else.
▪ Patios are safer. Dine or drink outdoors, or in a well-ventilated, uncrowded dining room.
▪ If you’re sneezing or coughing, don’t go at all. (Some restaurants take your temperature.)
▪ If you’re over 65 or have underlying health conditions, Texas officials say don’t go at all. Plenty of restaurants are selling great takeout dinners and family packs.
▪ If you go out, visit the restroom at home first. Don’t go into a cramped space, particularly if anyone else is there. (This also means not drinking a lot.)
▪ Pick a patio or dining area that spreads out. Look for lots of room and a full 6 feet of space from others, not just between the tables.
▪ Sit somewhere quiet. If people have to talk loudly or shout over music or background noise, that spreads more of the virus.
▪ Don’t touch stuff. Use a sleeve to push doors or turn knobs. Use the sanitizer.
▪ The menu and condiments should be single-use for you only. Servers should bring fresh drinks if needed, not take glasses or cups to refill.
▪ Choose restaurants where servers are wearing masks. Wear masks when you talk to the host or server.
Have a safe dinner.
For more information, see the Texas Restaurant Promise and Texas Bar Promise at txrestaurant.org.
If you see a restaurant or bar that isn’t following state health orders at open.texas.gov, notify local code compliance officers or fire marshals. If it has a liquor permit, notify the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission over the mobile app or online at tabc.state.tx.us.
This story was originally published June 26, 2020 at 5:45 AM.
