Here Is Manasquan's Plan For Outdoor Dining, Retail

MANASQUAN – Manasquan is ready for the new challenge: Dining outdoors and having indoor retail amid the coronavirus outbreak.

It's going to require some creativity since not every restaurant or bar has the space to accommodate a lot of outdoor seating. But Manasquan officials are confident that the town's plan will work.

New Jersey issued rules and guidance for outdoor dining and indoor retail amid the coronavirus outbreak now that Gov. Phil Murphy said that restaurants and bars can resume operations at 6 a.m. on June 15.

Read more:

• Here's What To Do At NJ Bars, Restaurants Under Coronavirus Rules
• NJ Issues New Rules For Indoor Retail, Shopping Amid Coronavirus

Here is what Manasquan is doing:

• Manasquan has passed a resolution authorizing a Main Street pedestrian zone for dining and retail on Wednesday and Thursday nights throughout the summer.
• The zone will start on June 17th and extend through Sept. 17th
• Main Street will close from 6 to 10 p.m. Only walking traffic will be allowed from South Street to Route 71.
• Most of the restaurants that have available space are planning to open up on Monday.
• The bar/restaurants have received permits from state Alcoholic Beverage Control Division allowing them to increase their footprints to permit them to serve cocktails and food outside. Those businesses submitted plans to the town which were approved.
• Mayor Ed Donovan expects the Reef & Barrel, Leggetts, Squan Tavern, and The Salty Whale will be opening in Monday or Tuesday.
• The Manasquan Elks and the Manasquan VFW are also planning on opening for outdoor dining and drinks.
• Manasquan officials say the efforts will be coordinated with Gov. Phil Murphy’s "stage two" plan to restart the economy and reopen business.
• Employees at the bars and restaurants will have to wear masks. And if you want to go inside, you'll have to wear a face covering, too. But you can only be there for a very short period of time.

You can find out what each Manasquan business is doing by clicking here.