Gopal tells Murphy to let restaurants open for outdoor seating

Senate Majority Conference Leader Vin Gopal (D-Long Branch) wants Gov. Phil Murphy to lift the ban on outdoor commercial dining and is backing a call by the New Jersey Restaurant and Hospitality Association asking the governor of a roadmap toward reopening New Jersey’s restaurants.

“I stand with all the restaurateurs today who are making their voices heard. Out of respect in making sure this press conference by restaurants stays non-political, I will not attend but am issuing my strong support in this statement.

Gopal said the timing for responsible restaurant reopening is right now that Murphy has expanded the numbers of people permitted at outdoor gatherings.

“Broad amounts of medical data have indicated, this virus is far less dangerous when it’s not confined by four walls and a ceiling. New Jersey is making real, measurable progress on expanding testing and implementing contact tracing, and once we lift the ban on outdoor dining,” Gopal said. “I strongly believe that we can keep our infection curve flattened by keeping clear social distancing safeguards in place.”

The freshman Monmouth County senator cited hundreds of restaurants already going out of business.

“It is clear that we must make real, swift moves forward to allow those remaining to open up before it’s too late,” Gopal stated. “These small businesses deserve our support and guidance, and we cannot afford to let them wait any longer.