Louisiana in Phase Three of Reopening the State

Louisiana Governor Edwards signed an official order to enter Phase Three of reopening the state for business starting September 11, 2020. This order will remain in effect until October 9, 2020. In Phase Three, many businesses that were previously operating at a 50% capacity in Phase Two are now allowed to operate at a 75% capacity. The 75% capacity counts both the number of employees and members of the public as determined by the State Fire Marshal.

Businesses also have to ensure social distancing and provide increased sanitation. In addition, the state strongly recommends but doesn't require businesses to consider temperature checks before a person can enter, and posting the symptoms of COVID-19 outside with a request that symptomatic individuals not enter. The statewide mask mandate stays in effect. LSBA members can download a free generic poster to notify customers and employees that masks or face coverings are required to be worn at their business from our website by clicking here.

Businesses that can operate at 75% occupancy in Phase Three (previously at 50%) include:

Restaurants, cafes and coffee shops*
Bars and breweries with Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) food permits.*
* Any restaurant or bar/brewery with an LDH food permit must stop the sale of on premise alcohol consumption at 11 pm and bars must close at that time.
Shopping malls (including food courts, following restaurant guidance)
Gyms and fitness centers
Barbers, beauty shops and nail salons
Movie theaters
Racetracks (with an approved plan from the Louisiana Racing Commission)
Massage establishments, spas, and tattoo establishments (under strict guidance from LDH)
Esthetician services (under strict guidance from the Cosmetology Board)
Pool halls, bowling alleys and skating rinks (children must be accompanied by an adult)
Museums (including children’s museums), zoos, aquariums (no tactile exhibits)
Outdoor playgrounds and play centers (children must be accompanied by an adult)

Bars and breweries without LDH food permits:

In parishes with a positivity rate of higher than 5% for two consecutive weeks, bars and breweries without LDH food permits must remain closed.
In parishes with a positivity rate of 5% or lower for two consecutive weeks, bars and breweries without LDH food permits may opt-in to open for on premises consumption at 25% capacity and maximum number of 50 people (whichever is less) indoors or outdoors. Patrons must be seated to be served and adhere to strict social distancing. The sale of alcohol must end at 11 pm and bars must close at that time. No one under 21 can be admitted and live music is not allowed.

Event Centers and Reception Halls

Event centers and reception halls may not exceed 50% of total occupancy or 250 people, whichever is less, as determined by the State Fire Marshal.

The following businesses remain closed:

Carnivals, amusement parks, water parks, fairs
Children’s indoor play centers
Theme parks, concert and music halls, and other similar businesses.
Live entertainment is not permitted inside any building or indoor function.

For more information, visit OpenSafely.la.gov for guidance and updates from the State Fire Marshal’s Office and the Louisiana Department of Health. Business owners can register with this site which will allow you to receive updated communication, notifications, and helpful guidance via email specific to your business type. You can also download documents for guidance related to your specific type of business here.

For a guide listing businesses that can be open at any given time, visit gov.louisiana.gov/page/can-this-business-open.

Published: 09/18/2020

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