The Key West ‘Masks Required’ Rule Explained

The Florida Keys Policy For Bars & Restaurants

By Kevin Wilkerson, PubClub.com Nightlife Blogger

There has been some confusion among people wanting to go to Key West but balking on potential trips because of a “masks required” policy that has been put in place until 2021.

Well Eric Babin of internet radio station RadioTropRock.com, wanted to set the record straight to fellow Jimmy Buffett Parrotheads so he posted this on his Facebook page:

“Yes Key West has a ‘mask policy until 2021,” he wrote. “They will revisit the policy every couple of months… BUT… the policy is not restrictive at all…. No mask required outdoors, no mask required while eating/drinking at a bar / restaurant. Here is the policy… walk up to the door of the bar… put mask on, walk in, sit down, take mask off and enjoy yourself!”

This is not just the case in the Conch Republic, but in all the Florida Keys.

Here is the official policy by Florida Keys officials:

Throughout the Florida Keys, officials are requiring facial coverings to be worn by everyone in business establishments and other public settings where there is a roof overhead.

Wear a face mask or facial cloth covering when entering a business such as a lodging facility, restaurant, grocery store, pharmacy, indoor attraction or museum, retail or clothing shop, beauty salon or health spa. Masks are required under any roofed area, such as an outdoor tiki bar.

Restaurants and food establishments are currently operating at 50 percent indoor capacity, with appropriate social distancing and a minimum of 6 feet separating parties.

Masks/facial coverings are required to be worn entering and exiting an indoor establishment. Restaurant and bar patrons can remove their masks while seated and eating or drinking.

Outdoor dining areas should be prioritized and requested. Waiting areas may be limited to manage spacing, depending upon the eatery’s size, so waiting outdoors is preferable when possible. Inquire whether restaurant menus are online or viewable on a personal device, or are single use and disposable versus laminated, reusable menus.

Bars and pubs have reopened to full capacity outdoors with social distancing, and at 50 percent capacity indoors, with bar-top seating and seated service only (no standing room).

By the way, how many official statements include the words “tiki bar!?” With that, you know you are in the Keys.

Babin wanted to reassure fellow Parrotheads that Oct. 26-Nov. 2 for a kind of loose music festival he is organizing. Normally, those people would be flocking to Key West for the annual Meeting of the Minds event, but that has been canceled. Still, several musicians scheduled to play at it are still planning on going and performing and Babin wanted to reassure people that you can still party and have a good time in Key West.

Basically, it’s the same rules that have applied here in San Diego for several weeks. I can tell you from personal experiences that wearing a mask into an restaurant or bar is no big deal since you can remove it one you are seated.