On March 29, Governor Phil Murphy signed Executive Order No. 234, which will increase outdoor gathering limits and increase capacity for seated events at large venues. The Order also clarifies indoor capacity limits for banquet halls and similar venues.
The Executive Order increases the general outdoor gathering limits from 50 people to 200 people. Outdoor gatherings that are religious services or ceremonies, political events, weddings, funerals, or memorial services will continue to not have any limit. College and youth sporting events will be permitted up to 200 spectators if the outdoor venue can accommodate appropriate social distancing.
The Order permits sports and entertainment venues with a seating capacity of 2,500 or more to host events at 20 percent capacity indoors and 30 percent capacity outdoors. The capacity limits will continue to exclude participants, such as athletes and performers, and staff, such as coaches and ushers.
The Order also clarifies that banquet halls and similar dining establishments and venues that use a licensed caterer can host indoor celebrations and other private catered events at 35 percent of the room’s capacity, up to 150 persons.
The general indoor gathering limits will remain the same, at 25 people. Indoor gatherings that currently have a higher limit – religious services or ceremonies, political events, weddings, funerals, memorial services, or performances – will remain unchanged.
Should you have any questions, please contact Hilary Chebra, Manager of Government Affairs at hchebra@chambersnj.com.
