As of 11 a.m. Friday, Dec. 18, 130 local restaurants had applied for Summit County’s 5 Star Business Certification Program.
The county received its approval Friday from the state for its variance request to implement the program. According to a news release, restaurants that are approved for the program can open immediately.
Although the county has not yet released a complete list of certified restaurants, some restaurants have posted about their approval. Dillon Dam Brewery posted on Facebook that it will be opening indoor dining at 4 p.m. Friday. Timberline Craft Kitchen & Cocktails in Silverthorne and Outer Range Brewing Co. in Frisco posted that they received their approval, as well.
Diners peruse the menu at Modis while seated in the restaurant s outdoor dining area. The restaurant has added heaters and a tent to keep customers warm while indoor dining is not allowed. The new five star program will allow indoor dining for restaurants that qualify.
Summit County restaurants are now able to apply for the 5 Star Business Certification Program, allowing them to open with less restrictive capacity measures than are currently allowed in level red.
Although the program was included in Summit County’s amended public health order, which will go into effect Saturday, Dec. 19, the county is still in the process of applying for a variance to implement the program locally.