Inslee’s COVID-19 restaurant directives trigger bleak business predictions

SEATTLE — As Phase 2 of Governor Inslee’s gradual reopening of businesses like restaurants is unveiled, some restaurant owners have a dire prediction regarding their economic futures.

“I cannot see more than half of some of these restaurants being able to run and be profitable, or even wanting to try it,” said Steve Dorn, owner of the Cove restaurant in Lynnwood.

Among the directives under Phase 2, all restaurants would allow no more than 50% of maximum capacity, no more than five people would be allowed at each table, and all customers will be asked for names, email addresses, and phone numbers to enable contact tracing, should someone in the restaurant later test positive for COVID-19.

“It’s one thing to say you have to get back to 50% capacity,” Dorn said. “But now we’re going to police people and tell them they have to fill out forms to get in? Who do we give this log to? Who comes to check it? Who takes our database and starts checking everyone?”

Under Inslee’s directive, all restaurants must have a COVID-19 supervisor who would oversee the collection of customers’ contact information, which would be held at the restaurant for up to 30 days.

“We’re trying to save lives (here),” Inslee said. “The information collected is only (to be) used by public health. It is confidential. It will not be shared. Contacts will not be told the name of the person who exposed others to COVID-19.”

The ACLU is also concerned about privacy issues regarding the governor’s directive and may challenge its legality.

Dorn said mini fine-dining restaurants do not have the capacity to support their payrolls on only half of their usual number of tables.

“Their business models are based on being full,” Dorn said. “And ideally, being full a couple of times each night, turning and burning tables.”

Among the other requirements: Hand sanitizer must be available for customers and workers, and customers would be strongly advised to wear masks when not seated at a table or when moving to a bathroom.

Phase 2 is expected to begin sometime in June.

© 2020 Cox Media Group