The Montgomery County Council unanimously approved an executive order banning indoor dining yesterday. Interestingly, the Council did not put out a press release to trumpet their vote, a vote that angered many in the hospitality sector. Some restaurants that do not have outdoor space, like Bethesda's famous Tastee Diner, were forced to immediately close and lay off employees ten days before Christmas.
Establishments like Gringos & Mariachis and Barrel & Crow kept operating using heated patios. Some, such as Caddies, erected tents. Tandoori Nights had already deployed dining bubbles at Bethesda Row as the Council vote approached.
The Bethesda Streetery outdoor seating was gone Tuesday night on Norfolk Avenue, although the street remained closed to traffic. It may be replaced with tents and heaters in the coming days and weeks.
More like a mortal wound in many cases. I ate indoors yesterday and it was great.
ReplyDelete