Self-certification is an optional program by which you can reassure your employees and customers that you are adhering to all appropriate guidance.  Self-certification does NOT impose additional obligations or result in additional inspections; rather, business operators who self-certify have taken the additional step of confirming their dedication to protecting their employees and customers from COVID-19, and thus may increase their occupancy to 50%.

It’s free to join the program and enrollment is voluntary.  Participating restaurants will receive:

• A listing on the searchable public Open & Certified PA Business Directory
• Permission to increase indoor dining from 25% to 50% occupancy
• Free Open & Certified Pennsylvania signs for your physical location, website, and social media channels
• Timely updates, reminders, and alerts for new business guidance and resources

Certification Requirements

As part of the self-certification process, you must confirm your business is following all required public health and safety measures including:

• CDC Health Guidelines for Restaurants and Bars
• PA Worker Safety Order
• COVID-19 Safety Procedures for Business (and posting the flyer)

As part of these health and safety measures, you must require:

• Mask wearing
• Social distancing (of at least 6 feet)
• Limiting indoor and outdoor seating
• Close alcohol sales at 11:00 PM

How to Self-Certify

The self-certification form will be available starting on Sept. 21, 2020. To complete the form, you must:

• Read the full requirements (also available in Spanish) for self-certification included in the form
• Agree to comply with all requirements
• Provide your maximum indoor occupancy based on the fire code
• Confirm your information is correct

Owners should keep a copy of the self-certification confirmation they will receive by e-mail. For questions about the Open and Certified Pennsylvania program, read the Frequently Asked Questions  or email us at covidselfcert@pa.gov.

Certify My Restaurant

Enforcement

The enforcement agencies listed below will be able to access your information as part of their ongoing enforcement activities. 

• PA Department of State
• PA Department of Health
• PA Department of Agriculture
• PA Department of Labor & Industry
• Pennsylvania State Police Bureau of Liquor Control

Self-certification will not lead to any additional inspections. Beginning on Oct. 5, 2020, enforcement officials will be checking on your self-certification status if your restaurant is operating at 50% indoor dining capacity. If you are not offering indoor dining, or if you are keeping indoor dining at a maximum of 25% occupancy, you do not need to complete the self-certification form.