State Fire Marshal Enforcing New Restaurant, Business Rules

State Fire Marshall Butch Browning talks to 101.7 / 710 KEEL's Robert J Wright and Erin McCarty about the updated rules for Louisiana and his department's role in enforcing them.

Here's a summary of the state's updated COVID 19 regulations from Louisiana Radio Network:

"Beginning today, restaurants can have outside dining with no wait service. State Fire Marshal Butch Browning says all restaurants that provide outdoor patio venues must adhere to strict mitigation standards…

Also, outdoor capacity must be 25-percent of what is allowed by the State Fire Marshal. No more than 10 people to one table and there can not be any gatherings of individuals waiting to sit outdoors.

According to the restaurant association, only four percent of restaurants in Louisiana have an existing outdoor patio. However, Browning says restaurants are allowed to create temporary structures.

While inside dining is forbidden, restaurants can allow patrons to use their restrooms but social distancing of six feet remains applicable. New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell is not allowing outside dining."