TOMS RIVER, NJ – In a prepared statement through his newly hired public relations firm, Toms River Mayor Maurice Hill applauded Governor Phil Murphy’s lifting of restrictions on indoor dining. Under the executive order, restaurant capacity for indoor dining has been increased from 25% to 35%.
Governor Phil Murphy also removed the 10 p.m. bar and restaurant curfew statewide.
On February 3, 2021, Governor Phil Murphy signed an executive order modifying previous Covid-19 related restrictions. Food and beverage establishments can now increase their indoor capacity from 25% to 35%.
Through his Public Relations Firm writer, Deanna Gunn, Mayor Hill is quoted as saying, “Although not ideal, this is a step inthe right direction as we move towards getting people back to work and our local economy growing.”
“The changes also allow for an increase in participation at sporting events, health clubs, and religious services,” Gunn wrote on behalf of Mayor Hill. “Businesses, including liquor establishments, were also previously barred from serving customers after 10 pm.”
“The new order relaxes this restriction and allows them to continue to serve patrons up until 5 am so long as it does not conflict with local regulations, which for alcohol, is 2 am in Toms River,” Gunn wrote in her press release for Hill.
Gunn says Hill continued, “The loosening of these restrictions is a welcome change for our residents and business owners. As long as we maintain safe practices during this difficult time, this comes as welcome news and is an important building block towards an anticipated full re-opening.”
Hill hired a public relations firm to write press releases for the township at an annual contract not to exceed $60,000.
