Coronavirus New Haven: Mayor Slashes Public Occupancies In Half

NEW HAVEN, CT — Mayor Justin Elicker is exercising extraordinary powers to cut the maximum occupancy capacity of nightclubs, restaurants, cafeterias, bars, theaters and similar venues in half.

The new law goes into effect a minute after midnight on March 15, and will remain in effect until April 15.

In a proclamation issued by City Hall on Friday, Elicker cites Section 1, 1-6, of the Charter of the City of New Haven, as granting him the power to tighten the occupancy capacity of the venues. It reads:

The mayor, or his duly authorized representative or representatives, is authorized to promulgate such orders, rules, and regulations as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this chapter in the furtherance of the emergency management plan and program and to protect life and property. All orders, rules, and regulations authorized by this chapter shall be in writing and shall be available for public inspection at the place and during the hours specified by the mayor...

As detailed in the proclamation, the areas affected by the new law include:

"...all establishments subject to the 2018 Building Code of Connecticut, Chapter 3, §303.2, Assembly Group A-1, including, but not limited to motion picture theaters, symphony and concert halls, television and radio studios admitting an audience and theaters; and, the 2018 Building Code of Connecticut, Chapter 3, §303.3, Assembly Group A-2 including, but not limited to: banquet halls, casinos (gaming areas), nightclubs, restaurants, cafeterias and similar dining facilities (including associated commercial kitchens), taverns and bars, with seating capacity of sixteen (16) or more, as enforced by the New Haven Fire Department..."

Elicker is taking the action "due to the significant adverse impact on public health of COVID-19... for the purpose of mitigating the adverse effects of this emergency situation upon the residents of New Haven."

Concerns over the spread of COVID-19 are triggering executive actions throughout the state. On Thursday, Gov. Ned Lamont issued several emergency executive orders, including waiving requirements for schools and limiting size of crowds in the state to under 250. Also on Thursday, the first selectmen in Westport and Wilton set up emergency command offices, all in response to the COVID-19 outbreak. Ridgefield declared a State of Emergency on Friday.