With outdoor dining permitted as of May 29, restaurants in cities and towns across Maryland have had to get creative with seating. The only option many had was to move out onto sidewalks and into the streets. Over the summer, restaurants offered “streateries” that provided more space to seat more diners outside during the pandemic. But, with some indoor dining restrictions continuing, diners will likely be eating outside this fall, and possibly winter, as well.
While we’ve seen some using fencing or shrubbery to block off these areas on the streets, the reality is that those are not enough to keep diners safe. Easy to transport, store, and set up, water barriers – filled to the top – are one of the easiest ways to ensure safety.
In fact, there is a direct correlation between the barrier’s water level and the patron’s safety level. When properly installed and linked together, brightly-colored and highly visible water filled barriers really do provide safety protection to outside dining patrons.
The 4-1-1 on Water and Weight
The numbers paint a very clear picture of why a full water barrier is so important, especially as some roads continue to be opened to vehicle traffic while, simultaneously, areas of the street are designated for diners.
One gallon of water weight is over eight pounds. The traditional white plastic barrier holds approximately 75 gallons. This is 625 pounds, just in water weight! Add to it the 50 pounds from the plastic barrier itself, totaling 675 pounds. The larger orange model holds approximately 130 gallons of water, meaning a restaurant is putting 1,300 pounds between its diners and the roadway. There are even larger versions, which weigh closer to 2,000 pounds.
So restaurants, get out your hoses and keep them topped off daily! And, re-apply those fill lids and caps to minimize evaporation. Your patrons will thank you.