D.C. restaurant group says it will defy new coronavirus guidelines

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The Hill Restaurant Group in Washington, D.C., says it’s defying the mayor’s new coronavirus procedures.

Mayor Muriel Bowser announced that the district, like many major cities, is implementing new rules for restaurants and bars that require revised floor plans and a limit of 250 patrons.

Tables cannot seat more than six people and must be at least six feet from the nearest table.

Bars are also banned from offering traditional bar stool seating and cannot serve patrons who stand.

Hill Restaurant Group, meanwhile, posted this statement on social media: “In light of recent developments, all HRG restaurants will continue to operate as normal and we encourage our fellow industry folks to do the same.”

“We understand the gravity of effects that the Corona Virus (sic) has or will have on our community especially the hospitality industry. However, we will not bow down to pressure from the Mayor’s Office or any group for that matter who covertly is attempting to shut us down,” the post continues. “It is not our burden to bear nor is it our staffs (sic) burden to bear.”

In many cities, local police are being tasked with enforcing new guidelines meant to prevent the spread of coronavirus. Some cities and states have banned serving seated customers altogether — making all restaurant to shift to “to go” models.