AN ACt to authorize meeting spaces, meeting or reception venues, and entertainment facilities, for receptions or parties, to resume operations.

The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:

SECTION 1.  Notwithstanding any declaration of a state of emergency issued under Article 1A of Chapter 166A of the General Statutes or any municipal or county ordinance adopted under that Article related to the public health emergency created by COVID‑19, any meeting spaces, meeting or reception venues, and entertainment facilities, for receptions or parties, as defined in Section 3.8 of Executive Order No. 195, Lifting the Modified Stay At Home Order and Easing Certain Restrictions on Businesses and Gatherings, issued by Governor Roy A. Cooper on February 24, 2021, may open and resume operations provided all of the following apply:

(1)        The establishment was in existence on March 10, 2020, is properly licensed and permitted, and holds all necessary State and local regulatory permits, including, if applicable, any necessary ABC permits.

(2)        Total capacity is limited to fifty percent (50%) of the authorized fire capacity, 12 people per 1,000 square feet, or 300 people, whichever is less.

(3)        All employees shall have their temperature taken daily prior to working. Any employee showing symptoms or with a fever of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or higher shall not be allowed to enter the establishment.

(4)        All guests shall have their temperature taken by thermal temple thermometers. Any guest with a fever of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or higher shall not be permitted entry.

(5)        All employees shall wear face masks and gloves while engaged in activities within their scope of employment and on the premises of their employer. All guests are strongly encouraged to wear face masks.

(6)        Food and beverage service shall not include self‑service or buffet options.

(7)        Hand sanitizer stations shall be available throughout the establishment. All hand sanitizer is comprised of at least sixty percent (60%) alcohol.

(8)        The establishment shall maintain and enforce the social distancing requirements recommended by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services.

(9)        The establishment shall comply with all rules and regulations promulgated by the Division of Public Health of the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services applicable to restaurants.

(10)      Employees shall conduct frequent routine cleanings of high‑touch and high‑use areas while the establishment is open and conduct a deep clean of the entire establishment after the close of business every day. Disinfectants that are EPA‑approved for SARS‑CoV‑2 (the virus that causes COVID‑19) are used for all cleanings.

(11)      Signage shall be posted to remind employees and guests of the social distancing and sanitation requirements in place.

(12)      The establishment shall collect and retain guest contact information on file for 15 days past the date of the event.

SECTION 2.  This act is effective when it becomes law and expires when any applicable declaration of emergency prohibitions and restrictions expire or are otherwise terminated to permit venues for receptions and parties to open for full unrestricted use.