October 2, 2023 #1 Local News, Forum, Information and Event Source for Venice Beach, California.

Local Restaurants React to New Dining Restrictions

Capacity in Los Angeles restaurants capped at 50 percent

By Toi Creel

Local restaurants are having to make some big changes in order to comply with the new COVID-19 guidelines. Hear what Westside chefs have to say about the new restrictions that limit restaurant capacity to 50 percent.

LA County officials announced that on November 20 that outdoor dining would be reduced to 50 percent for bars, restaurants, breweries, and wineries. The stricter protocol comes following the rise of COVID-19 cases in LA County for the third time. Recently cases had risen to around 3,000 per day.

In addition, county health officials say that if the five-day average of cases surpasses 4,000, all outdoor dining will be suspended. On Thursday, the county reported over 5,000 cases.

The regulations have provided a new challenge for local restaurants, including many on the Westside.

“Sometimes it feels like our industry is used as the rudder steering this ship — no other industry has been impacted so tumultuously as much as ours has,” Sam Trude of Great White in Venice told Eater LA. “We’re one of the lucky ones because we have a loyal customers supporting us. Our heart goes other restaurants and industries that aren’t able to open.”

Other restaurant owners who have already adapted to pandemic changes say they feel frustrated.

“There is no capacity limit on my patio, we only have nine tables in Palms and 30 tables in Torrance,” Ivan Vasquez of Madre in Torrance, Palms, and West Hollywood told Eater. “With our patio not even getting full we are already at 50 percent capacity. Restaurants like Madre have already spent thousand of dollars in umbrellas, heaters, tables, chairs, grass, lighting, face shields, outdoor barriers, tents, contractor labor cost, canopies, training, sanitizing stations, permits, and licenses.”

Jeffrey Merrihue of Heroic Italian in Santa Monica said the restaurant understands the need for safety but feels like the new outdoor measures are counterproductive and will be harmful.

“Heroic appreciates the need to fight the current second surge of COVID and indeed think the curfew is a good idea. The restriction on outdoor dining, however, makes no sense. All medical studies encourage outdoor activity noting that the vast majority of infections come from under-ventilated indoor activity. Driving people indoors in the middle of the flu season will only make things worse. Also, 95 percent of all outdoor dining is dramatically smaller than the indoor dining it is supposed to augment/replace. This reduction is like splitting a grain of rice into four pieces,” Merrihue told Eater.

Others were more blunt in their assesment.

“I don’t know what to say,” Jon Yao of Kato in West LA told Eater. “It’s going to crush us,”

in Dining, News
Related Posts

(Video) Interview With Downtown Activist on Being Attacked by Homeless Suspect

September 29, 2023

September 29, 2023

John Alle, co-founder of Santa Monica Coalition, was attacked in Palisades Park while filming. @yovenicenews John Alle was hospitalized after...

$10K of Pickleball Equipment Destroyed in Memorial Park Arson

September 29, 2023

September 29, 2023

Thanks to an Outpour of Donations and Support, Storage Bins Should Be Set Up by the End of Next Week...

Suspected Drunk Driver Slams Into Citizen on Venice Beach Boardwalk

September 28, 2023

September 28, 2023

The Suspect Is Also Seen Drinking From a Modelo Beer Bottle By Zach Armstrong A potential drunk driver hit a...

Venice Shorts: Flower Recleaned, Colony Kitchen to Open Soon!

September 28, 2023

September 28, 2023

Property Owner Praises Cd-11 for Second Clean-up at Flower By Nick Antonicello Daniel Saparzadeh, the owner of the Colony Kitchen...

Venice Bottle Shop to Hold Alcohol-Free Pop-up Bar Featuring DJs

September 28, 2023

September 28, 2023

Including Craft Cocktails Made With Ritual Tequila, Bonbuz, and Seedlip Alcohol Alternatives Los Angeles-based promotional company Sound has joined forces...

Panamanian Eatery Officially Opens on Venice Blvd

September 28, 2023

September 28, 2023

The Venture Is a Collaboration Between Chefs Known for Hatchet Hall, Menotti’s Coffee Shop and Townhouse Venice By Zach Armstrong...

(Video) Japanese-Inspired Ice Cream Parlor Opens on Montana Ave

September 28, 2023

September 28, 2023

mochidoki’s flavors include passion fruit and cake batter @yovenicenews Japanese-Inspired Ice Cream Parlor Opens on Montana Ave. mochidoki’s flavors include...

Women’s Surf Film Festival Making California Debut in Venice

September 27, 2023

September 27, 2023

With an Array of Storytelling From Both Artists, the Festival Spotlights Inspiring Narratives of Female Surfers. The Women’s Surf Film...

Free “Masters of Dance” Workshops and Classes Open by SMC

September 27, 2023

September 27, 2023

It Features a Lineup of Master Classes and Educational Workshops Led by Accomplished Dance Professionals The Santa Monica College Dance...

Venice Shorts: Locals Raise Funds for Mexican-American Monument Honoring Traqueros

September 26, 2023

September 26, 2023

Remembering & Preserving a History Somewhat Forgotten  By Nicholas Antonicello Remembering and honoring a history that in some cases has...

Hotel Workers Go On Strike in Santa Monica Amid Negotiation Standstill

September 26, 2023

September 26, 2023

The Union Is Urging Hotels to Instantly Increase Hourly Wages By Zach Armstrong Santa Monica hotel workers at Fairmont Miramar,...

Venice Shorts: Venice Stakeholders Association in Support of Anti-Camping Legislation

September 25, 2023

September 25, 2023

VSA Files “Friend of the Court” Brief With SCOTUS!  By Nick Antonicello The Venice Stakeholder’s Association led by its President...

Venice Shorts: RV’s Occupy North Venice Blvd – Urination and Defecation Obvious!

September 25, 2023

September 25, 2023

“Motorhome Madness” Has Residents Seeking Help From la City Officials By Nick Antonicello The mobile motorhome dilemma plaguing the northside...

120-Year-Old Property on Market for $3.9M

September 25, 2023

September 25, 2023

A Classic Covered Porch Leads Into a Reception Room Featuring a Stone Fireplace Two adjacent lots, featuring a restored Craftsman...

Marina Peninsula Home on Market For $3.5M

September 25, 2023

September 25, 2023

Brazilian Walnut Floors Exude Sophistication This five bedroom property at 5106 Pacific Ave is on the market for $3.5 million....