This document reviews proposed changes to the floor plan and seating arrangements at a taproom in Boulder, Colo. As neither the city of Boulder nor the state of Colorado have offered specific guidance on reopening requirements (as of May 18), this floor plan is subject to change. Use it as an example to help you consider changes in your own taproom to enforce social distancing and prioritize the safety of your patrons and employees.

About Asher Brewing Company

Physical Space: Asher Brewing Company is a taproom brewery and does not serve food. Normally, their public space is split into four different areas: outside patio, main taproom area with bar, lounge seating, and open space for activities or events. There are two available exterior doors, but only one is used as an entrance and exit. The brewery capacity during normal business is 200 people. For reference, many states are asking breweries to open at 50% capacity. Depending on the number of seats and state limits on individual party size, Asher will likely operate at less than 50% capacity to accommodate social distancing, as detailed below.

Staffing and Service Model: Asher typically runs two shifts per day, with overlap during busy periods. The bartenders work most of their shifts solo. They employ bar service, though bartenders will stop by tables as they are able. Most patrons bus their own tables by bringing empty glasses to the bar.

If allowed to open with social distancing, Asher Brewing will likely switch to table service and ask patrons to leave glassware on the table. The hope is to reduce patron traffic and crowding at the bar. The new model also provides more control over cleaning and sanitizing surfaces between guests. Asher is considering how to balance staffing levels and available seating space to ensure the ability to thoroughly clean between patrons. It might be necessary to have two staff working every shift—one serving and one cleaning—or close certain seating areas.

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Seating Areas

Outside Patio: The patio has six four-top tables, as well as two smaller round tables. It is not overly crowded, and there is plenty of room for patrons and staff to maneuver during normal business operations.

It is important to keep in mind that tables, patrons, and staff should all be at least six feet away from each other as frequently as possible. Though the patio is spacious, the current seating arrangement places most tables within six feet of one another. To accommodate social distancing, Asher Brewing Company would remove three of their outdoor tables or maintain some empty tables as “spacers,” which may be difficult to enforce from inside the taproom. This decision may depend on local or state guidance and regulations once they are promulgated.

Main Taproom: The main taproom consists of three high-top tables and two four-tops. The space is dominated by the bar, bar seating, and open space between the tables and the bar for mingling and queueing. The main entrance filters directly into this space.

As with the patio, Asher Brewing Company will likely remove several tables from the taproom. They will also remove the barstools and prohibit any lingering at the bar. Eliminating bar seating and implementing table service serves several purposes. First, it allows the taproom staff to stay six feet from patrons when moving about. It also provides an unoccupied space for continued to-go sales.

From Asher Brewing Company Staff:

“Until we can be open on a normal basis, I'd want our bar to remain open for to-go beer service for folks who are still observing stay at home, safer at home, or physical distancing. I think a big part of this transition is going to be recognizing that not everyone will be able to reenter the world at the same time and it is all going to take a while. I want to maintain an equal level of service to anyone who would like a beer and is kind enough to support us.” – Abigail I., Asher Brewing Company

Asher Brewing Company will also utilize the second door and have one as an entrance with the other as an exit. This would reduce the potential for crowding at the door and give them better control over traffic flow.

Lounge Area: The lounge area has a large couch, self-serve water station, and games. It is likely that Asher will indefinitely close the lounge area to maintain strict social distancing standards. They feel it will be too difficult to sanitize and effectively monitor this area. Even if it remains open, the games and water station will be removed.

If they choose to keep the space open, they might replace the couch with tables and chairs they removed from the taproom. If Asher Brewing goes that route, it could provide a secluded area, for an individual group, that is easier to sanitize than the larger space in the back room.

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The Event Space (aka Funbarrel Room): This open activity room houses sinks and the dishwasher. Additionally, there is a pool table, cornhole, and darts. It is an open space with a few high-tops and bar rails but is predominately used for games or events.

This section might be closed, as the wide-open space makes it difficult to enforce social distancing and ensure that everything is regularly sanitized. Asher Brewing would need additional staff on each shift just to monitor and clean the space.

Alternatively, Asher Brewing is considering renting out or reserving the backroom (or a portion thereof) for individual parties to play darts or pool. Limiting access would allow patrons to enjoy their favorite activities while providing ample time to sanitize between visits.

From Asher Brewing Company Staff:

“For the Funbarrel room, we might remove the pool sticks and cornhole boards, but keep the dartboards up. The dartboards would become a single party table and folks would be able to play if they brought their own darts. Only one party would have access at a time, and the table would be sanitized between groups. We are also considering having disposable or laminated scoreboard options. If this were the case, we could use some of our extra tables to have other properly spaced tables in the Funbarrel room as well.” –Abigail I., Asher Brewing Company

“I've been thinking about the games in the Funbarrel room (darts, pool, cornhole) because they're so popular and whether or not it would be feasible to have some kind of signup time slot system to allow people to play with their party for an allotted time with thorough cleaning and sanitizing between use.

It's hard because Asher is a place where people gather to socialize with friends. We want to maintain that atmosphere in a safe, if limited, manner.” – Kayleigh P., Asher Brewing Company

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Asher Brewing Company Typical Floor Plan

The dark red circles denote 6 ft radius or 12 ft diameter. There are inadequate social distancing tolerances wherever circles overlap. In those overlapping areas, patrons are not guaranteed at least 6 feet of space between themselves and other patrons.

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Asher Brewing Company Floor Plan Updated for Social Distancing and Sanitization Needs

Notice how all tables and open areas provide adequate social distancing tolerances. Using the second exterior door reduces the potentiality for crowding at the main entrance and creates a flow for to-go sales.

The side lounge area may be closed, but the couch will be removed if it remains open for seating. The event space might also be closed. If it is open (by reservation or otherwise), the pool table could be closed and the cornhole boards removed. Tables would be moved or added to demarcate appropriate social distancing.

Also note the significant reduction in available seating and, potentially, seating areas. It might not be enough to simply operate at half capacity to fully account for social distancing needs, as Asher illustrates with its updated floor plan here.

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