Around New England

Vermont Shuts Down Bars Restaurants

March 18, 2020

As of Wednesday, March 18 bars and restaurants are no longer allowed to have dine-in patrons in Vermont amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Vermont Governor Phil Scott, a Republican, ordered that they close by 2 p.m. on Tuesday, March 17, making Wednesday the first day where they were no longer able to operate as usual. They can, however, continue offering food via takeout and delivery services. This provision is in effect until Monday, April 6, as WCAX reports.

Additionally, public gatherings in the state with 50 people or more are no longer allowed.

By closing down bars and restaurants, Vermont is following in the footsteps of Massachusetts. Tuesday, March 17 was the first day in the Bay State where they were not allowed to serve any dine-in patrons.

Burlington Police told WCAX that if a restaurant or bar disobeys the order, they would work with the permitting team and fire marshal to make sure the business complied in a safe manner.