Michigan Association Issues Statement On Epidemic Order, Indoor Dining

State officials said Wednesday (January 13) that Michigan restaurants could reopen for indoor dining on February 1 after months of banning indoor service.

But industry experts remain concerned about the impact to local restaurants.

Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association President & CEO Justin Winslow issued a statement:

"The governor’s continuation of this pause without a plan—now expanding to 75 days—is without parallel in the nation in terms of its unwillingness or inability to provide leadership to a decimated industry and its workforce. There are more than 100,000 unemployed hospitality workers and thousands of small operators on the edge of bankruptcy all waiting for hope and direction, and once again it did not come. This is unacceptable and we should all demand more accountability. “

“Michigan’s restaurants have been closed for more days than any other state since the onset of the pandemic and Michigan stands alone as the only remaining statewide closure of dining rooms without a discernible, data-driven path to reopen and fully reintegrate in the economy. This, too, is unacceptable and we should all demand more accountability."

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services extended its epidemic order Wednesday, beginning Saturday (January 16) and remaining in effect through January 31.

State officials have said that the “working plan” — depending on “data continuing to stabilize” — is to reopen restaurants for indoor dining on February 1, requiring masks, limiting capacity and imposing a curfew.

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