Restaurants in Manitoba are now allowed to welcome diners inside for the first time since November, under the new set of relaxed public health orders.
A new capacity limit of 25% is in effect for restaurants, along with a few other measures that may be familiar to those who dined out during code orange.
At MR MIKES SteakhouseCasual in Dauphin, general manager Katey Mowat says after the past few months only being allowed to open for take-out — they’re excited to welcome customers back.
“We have guests that have supported this establishment since the first brick was laid,” said Mowat, adding there are a few new measures in place for patrons to be aware of.
In addition to the 25% capacity limit, restaurant-goers at licensed establishments can only be served liquor if a meal has been purchased.
Also, patrons may only sit at tables with people they live, in groups capped at five.
MR MIKES in Dauphin officially opened Saturday, and will now be open to patrons daily from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m.
“Everything is stacked on top of what was mandatory during code orange,” says Mowat, pointing to the continuation of the rule requiring masks only be removed when seated at a table.
Some new rules for Manitoba restaurants now mandate food cannot be served for dine-in service between the hours of 10 p.m. and 6 a.m., and liquor cannot be sold or served between the hours of 10 p.m. and 9 a.m.''
The MR MIKES general manager says she’s really proud of her team for supporting one another through a challenging time, and for being so diligent with things like enhanced cleaning protocols.
“We’ve all grown through this and to be able to support each other — whether it’s management, servers, cooks, dishwashers — it’s all super important. I really appreciate that mentality within the walls of MR. Mikes," says Mowat.
To read more about what else is allowed to open under the new public health orders in Manitoba, click here.