[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]What about Self Service?
Q- Have you seen any information on when food retailers can open hit bars, wing bars and salad bars? And if so, do you know of the restrictions/guidelines related to opening them?
A- All service bars in food stores are similar to those commonly found in restaurants and other related food service establishments. The New Hampshire Saver at Home, Food Services Industry Guidelines – were last updated October 8th, 2020 to address this issue. the following guidelines excerpt explains…
- No self-service buffets, appetizers, condiments on a counter for use by multiple tables, or beverage station re-use are allowed.
- Employee-staffed buffets are allowed so that only staff are touching serving utensils and serving customers; social distancing in serving lines must be maintained. Barriers are recommended for employee-served buffets to protect employees and customers. Employees serving and customer going through a buffet line must wear cloth face coverings while waiting in line, serving/being served, walking to/from the buffet.
It is not anticipated there will be any relaxation to these guidelines in the immediate future.
This column is meant to provide information to food store operators and related suppliers on operational issues currently implemented under the State Emergency Orders. Individual communities may impose more restrictive compliance which should be monitored and implemented after discussions with local officials. This column is not intended to provide legal advice, which should be addressed by the businesses own legal counsel.
Submit your questions or inquires related to the food industry or service guidelines to MyQuestion@grocers.org.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]