Queens restaurants can open at 35% capacity starting Feb. 26: Cuomo

Gov. Andrew Cuomo said New York City restaurants can open at 35 percent capacity Feb. 26. AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura

By Rachel Vick

Restaurants in Queens and elsewhere in New York City can increase indoor dining capacity to 35 percent starting Feb. 26, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced Friday.

The 35-percent level is consistent with the rules in New Jersey, a consideration that Cuomo said could compel New Yorkers to dine in the city rather than travel out-of-state.

“People in New York City, Staten Island, Manhattan are going to New Jersey, to those restaurants, so it's not really accomplishing a purpose,” Cuomo said. “We're more sensitive to New York City because of density, concentration and history but we’re headed in the right direction.”

Cuomo previously reinstated limited indoor dining in New York City ahead of the Valentine’s Day weekend.

Queens Chamber of Commerce President Tom Grech said the capacity increase will allow restaurants to earn some more money, but not nearly enough to stave off the financial impact of the pandemic.

“We welcome the increase to 35 percent starting next Friday. But we must do more,” he said.

Grech recommends reopening at 50 percent capacity by March 1 and full capacity by St. Patrick’s Day. He urged Queens residents to go grab a bite.

“We ask that all New Yorkers continue to support their favorite neighborhood restaurants at this difficult time," he said.