Restaurants, servers in El Paso County get back to work with variance allowing 50% capacity

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) - Dozens of restaurants in El Paso County are reopening their doors Monday after a variance passed over the weekend allowing dine-in services at a limited capacity.

The restaurants that choose to open their dining rooms are subject to strict guidelines, like maintaining a maximum of 50% capacity or 50 people (whichever is less), keeping customers six feet apart, and not allowing cutomers to mingle between parties.

We've talked to the owner at the Mason Jar in Old Colorado City about the struggles of reopening at half capacity.

Tim Payne said he had to cut half his staff when they switched to takeout and delivery only.

"We hope to, over the next couple of weeks, be able to come back up to full staff," he said.

When I asked how long it'll take for the restaurant to recover from the loss of business over the last couple months, Payne told me he's optimistic, but not entirely sure.

"I expect it to fully come back," he said. "It's going to take some time, and I think it’s anybody’s guess as to how long."