KANSAS CITY, Mo. — A temporary midnight curfew for bars and restaurants is among the first acts of the newly restored Independence Health Department.
Mayor Eileen Weir’s office announced a series of Safer Independence guidelines Thursday in concert with Acting Health Director Christina Heinen.
Beginning Friday, bars, restaurants and taverns in Independence will be prohibited from serving food or drinks from midnight to 5 a.m., must adhere to a 50% occupancy limit, must require and enforce a mask policy when patrons are not actively eating or drinking, and must socially distance separate parties.
That is one of five major orders and guidelines announced for residents and businesses.
“With the recent recognition of the Independence Health Department as a Local Public Health Authority, we are charged with overseeing the health and wellbeing of our local residents and businesses,” Weir said in a statement. “Beginning Friday, Dec. 11, we are permitting all bars, restaurants and taverns to serve food and drink between 5 a.m. and midnight. Like our peers, we are requiring masks in all public spaces unless actively eating or drinking. Further, for those businesses that do not comply with these orders, there will be strict consequences, including reduced curfews and, for multiple infractions, the potential loss of utilities.”
Other businesses that are publicly accessible will be required to enforce mandatory mask policies and social distancing as well.
With its recognition by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, Independence will now issue orders and guidelines separate from the Jackson County Health Department, much like Kansas City, Missouri, does with its separate and distinct municipal health department.
The Safer Independence guidelines also require masks to be worn indoors in public spaces unless a person is alone in a room and outdoors if social distancing cannot be maintained.
Children under 5 years old, people with disabilities that prevent wearing a mask, people who are eating, athletes actively engaged in playing a game, and people “obtaining a service” that requires temporary removal of a mask — such as patients visiting a doctor or dentist — are exempt from the mask-wearing mandate.
Gatherings of 10 or more people will require approval from the Independence Health Department, but submitting a COVID-19 mitigation plan at least seven days in advance of the planned event. Mandatory masks and social distancing will be among the minimum requirements.
Businesses will be responsible for and held liable for ensuring compliance with order and could face additional curfew restrictions, the revocation of licenses and permits and utility shutoffs.
“We have been fortunate to see a high rate of compliance with orders in our area and have at this time not had to take strong enforcement measures with our businesses,” Weir said in a statement. “We understand these changes will cause questions and encourage our residents and business to reach out to us by calling (816) 325–6965 or emailing covid19@indepmo.org.”
The full guidelines and some answers to common questions will be posted on the city’s website.
