Because of concerns related to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Ocean Pines Yacht Club will no longer allow guests to bring their own chairs for live music events.
Instead, the Yacht Club will move to a “table minimum” model for all patrons, whenever live music is scheduled.
Until further notice, patrons will be required to make food or drink purchases to sit at a table or barstool, which will be provided by the restaurant only. Once all seating is full, no guests will be allowed on the property until space is available.
Ralph DeAngelus, cofounder of the Matt Ortt Companies that runs the Yacht Club, said the policy change is necessary because of increased scrutiny from the State of Maryland. Gov. Larry Hogan, on Tuesday, directed officials to step up enforcement of public health requirements in restaurants and bars across the state, citing a connection between those establishments and an increasing number of COVID-19 cases.
“We’re doing this out of an overabundance of caution, because the state is really cracking down on restaurants and bars,” DeAngelus said. “Everyone in the community has been so supportive of us and we can’t thank you all enough for your continued patronage. We feel the table minimum is the best available solution to satisfy State of Maryland requirements, while allowing us to continue to offer all the great live music acts we have planned for Ocean Pines, through the remainder of the summer.”
Additionally, dancing and social congregation are not allowed, and social distancing is required.
For the full upcoming schedule of live music, currently offered Thursdays through Sundays at the Ocean Pines Yacht Club on 1 Mumford’s Landing Road, visit www.opyachtclub.com/live-music.