Restaurants in Albany navigate differing rules amid new risk levels

Restaurants in Albany navigate differing rules amid new risk levels

All deaths.

Nine months into this pandemic -- oregonians are having to adjust to a*new set of rules based on 'risk levels' depending on what county you're in.

But for businesses in the city of allbany -- they fall under both benton*and linn.

So -- what does that mean as far as restrictions go?

Well as kezi 9 news reporter kennedy dendy shows us -- restaurants just a mile apart have*completely different rules -- causing relief for some -- and frustration for others.

Brent: "getting shut down is tough.

Its really tough."

Two counties with very different rules.

Benton and linn counties are side by side.

Divided by the willamette river.

But with the new round of restrictions -- you'd think they're much farther apart.

That's because of a difference in guidence within county lines.

Brent: "we have more area to spread out but we are still under the same restrictions.

It's challenging for me to understand that and to keep the business going.

Bridge: on this side of the willamette river restaurants are only allowed takeout or outdoor seating since they're under the extreme risk category.

But on the other side of the river its a completely different story.

Mexico lindo restaurant and lounge is in the same city but different county.

And in benton county -- the rules are different.

Cesar: "we are trying to make it through this."

While hes grateful to be able to have both indoor and outdoor seating -- they're still limited to 25 percent capacity.

That's because they're under the high risk category.

Cesar: "we need to follow the rules the way they are supposed to be followed."

But montes with brick and mortar cafe in*linn county doesn't understand how a restaurant only a mile away -- can operate completely differently.

And for him -- this decision will deter business away more than it already has.

Brent: "the majority of small businesses probably wont be able ot make it through this.

It's very unfortunate but that's why we're scratching at every thing we can get and trying to drive those sales.

Its tough."

Reporting in albany kennedy