Four cities in Alameda County pushed back on Saturday after
the Alameda County Health Department suspended outdoor dining due to stricter state
guidance.
In late June, the county had freed up restaurants, bars and wineries
to provide outdoor dining, but it shifted gears Friday night in a press
release, saying that only takeout and delivery would be allowed until a variance
could be obtained from the state.
On Saturday, Livermore and Hayward announced they wouldn’t
enforce the revised order and would proceed with planned street closures this
weekend that allow more space for outdoor dining in their cities.
Oakland city officials said street closures would not take
place, but added that the revised order wouldn’t be enforced.
Dublin’s Facebook page carried a message saying the city
“will not be conducting any local enforcement this weekend and will assess
the discrepancy and seek clarity early next week.
Livermore’s Facebook announcement said that “while the
press release has new information, neither the county nor the State of
California has issued new legal Orders,” Livermore posted on its Facebook
page Saturday.
“Therefore, city of Livermore will not be adjusting
enforcement this weekend and First Street will remain closed to cars.”
Hayward followed suit, with plans continuing for a street
closure event “and will support local restaurants who choose to
participate –whether by providing outdoor dining service or just takeout
service.”
In Oakland, the city released a tersely worded statement
saying the city wouldn’t enforce the revised guidance but added, “the
state may enforce the ban on outdoor dining in Alameda County, including
issuing citations. We share this information so business owners may make
informed decisions on their daily operations.”
Source: NBC Bay Area