Posted on Monday, Sep. 14, 2020 at 4:10 pm

Delivery person with mask and gloves holding an order of food

On September 14th, Public Health Madison & Dane County sent a letter to licensed establishments in Madison to inform them of the possibility of increased fines if they do not comply with public health orders. “Our mission has always been to educate first, and enforce as a last resort,” said Doug Voegeli, Director of Environmental Health at Public Health Madison & Dane County. “However, we are unfortunately seeing an increase of complaints related to restaurants and taverns exceeding capacity limits, not following face covering requirements, and other violations.”

As a result of this increase in complaints, PHMDC and the City of Madison Police Department will be shifting their collective focus to enforcement to address violations of the current Emergency Order. Under Madison General Ordinance Sec. 7.05(6) violations of a Public Health Order carry a penalty of up to $1,000 per violation. An establishment with an occupancy capacity of 100 is required under the Order to limit indoor capacity to 25%, which is 25 people. Thus, if this establishment is found to have 100 people inside, they face a potential forfeiture of $75,000 plus court costs and fees. In addition, any establishment holding an alcohol beverage license may also be subject to an enforcement action against their alcohol beverage license up to and including suspension or revocation.

Below are key mandatory requirements for restaurants and taverns. Please read the current order for a full list of requirements.

  • 25% indoor capacity (for restaurants)
  • Patrons inside only for the purposes of ordering, pick-up, and payment of food and beverage, or while in transit (for taverns)
  • Face coverings properly worn by employees
  • Seating spaced at least 6 feet apart
  • Written and implemented hygiene policy and procedure
  • Written and implemented cleaning policy and procedure
  • Written and implemented protective measure policy and procedure
  • Documented staff receipt, acknowledgement, or training on the policies
  • Post “Workplace requirements for employers and workers”
  • Post PHMDC’s “Masks required” sign (or a similar sign) 

In order for our community to control the spread of COVID-19, we need everyone to follow requirements and take steps to prevent disease transmission. We sincerely appreciate everyone’s partnership and cooperation in doing your part to decrease the spread of COVID-19.
 

https://www.publichealthmdc.com/blog/public-health-madison-dane-county-and-the-city-of-madison-police-department-are
 

This content is free for use with credit to the City of Madison - Madison Senior Center and a link back to the original post.