nydailynews | “Opening restaurants, I understand the economic benefit and I understand
the economic pressure they’ve been under,” Cuomo said of struggling Big
Apple restaurants that have been shuttered, relegated to takeout or
serving customers outdoors for months.
The governor, who has faced criticism for his hesitation to allow
restaurants to seat diners indoors, set a Nov. 1 deadline to reassess
the COVID-19 infection rate. If the number remains low, indoor dining
capacity could increase to 50%.
The announcement comes after business owners filed a $2 billion
class-action lawsuit, alleging the state is violating the constitutional
rights of more than 150,000 New York City restaurateurs. The industry
employs roughly 300,000 people in the city.
New York State Assemblywoman Nicole Malliotakis (R-Staten Island), who
joined the suit against the governor earlier this week, said the state
should act faster to assist eateries.
“While we’re happy the city and state have acknowledged the plight of
the restaurant industry, it’s not enough," she said. "We will continue
to proceed with the lawsuit until New York City is granted the 50%
capacity like every other municipality in New York State.”
New Jersey began allowing eateries to welcome back customers last week
with a similar 25% limit on capacity while restaurants upstate and on
Long Island have been operating at 50% since June.
The governor has repeatedly railed against City Hall in recent weeks,
accusing the mayor and NYPD of not doing enough to enforce measures
meant to stem the spread of coronavirus.
On Wednesday, Cuomo said the city will contribute 400 personnel to an
existing task force headed by the State Liquor Authority and state
police to ensure compliance with the new orders, a deal apparently
hammered out not just with Mayor Bill de Blasio, but with other city
officials too.
“We have been talking to all stakeholders up until the moment I just walked out,” Cuomo said.
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