Since Colorado launched its new Five Star State Certification Program, 18 restaurants in Douglas County have resumed indoor dining.
While much of the state remains under level red restrictions, more than 100 businesses in Douglas County have been able to increase their indoor capacity to 25% since last Wednesday.
Once the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment confirmed that the county had reached 10 days of sustained and declining COVID-19 hospitalization rates, the county was able to launch the program.
According to the Denver Post, Douglas County is the first in the Denver metro area to obtain certification.
On Monday, December 28, several restaurant inspections took place in Douglas County to see which applicants would be approved for the Five Star State Certification.
County inspector Sean Owens spoke to FOX31 as he went through Clock Tower Grill at Lincoln Station in Lone Tree.
"I love to see that someone has taken the time to printout the state poster for the required masks," said Owens.
For many restaurant owners like Clock Tower Grill's Matt Troslte, the Five Star Certification Program is saving them from going under.
After passing the inspection and receiving certification Trostle told FOX31 he felt "relief and happiness obviously. (I have) the light at the end of the tunnel feeling."
Photo: Getty Images