NY will allow bars, restaurants to stay open to midnight

Racing tracks can allow spectators, up to 20% capacity

Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Wednesday announced the state has extended the closing time for bars and restaurants from 11 p.m. to midnight, effective April 19. The curfew for catered events will move from midnight to 1 a.m.

“This is a change that the NYS Restaurant Association has loudly advocated for and we thank all restaurant owner/operators who added their voice to our phone2action campaign to help get this change made,” the Restaurant Association stated on Wednesday. “We will continue to ask for additional capacity and curfew changes – and we hope to see further easing of restrictions in the near future.”

Cuomo also announced that spectators will be allowed at horse and auto races at 20 percent capacity, beginning Thursday, April 22. Spectators will be subject to the state’s strict guidance, which is currently in effect for other professional sports competitions with fans.

Attendees must show proof of a recent negative test or completed vaccination series prior to entry and are subject to the state’s health and safety protocols on face coverings, social distancing and health screening.

“We’re continuing to fight the pandemic each and every day, and the vaccine – the weapon that will win the war – is working,” Cuomo said. “As the situation becomes more manageable, we’re allowing spectators at auto and horse races back into stadiums to safely enjoy great events together. We have a long way to go before reaching a level of immunity that defeats the Covid beast for good, and that’s why New Yorkers need to continue practicing safe behaviors as they go about their daily lives.”