In May 2021, we reopened Phoenix’s play area to the public with a set of rules. These rules were designed to keep both our team members and our communities safe, and they have evolved over time. Today (May 17, 2023) we’re announcing a new set of policies that we plan to put into place beginning June 2, 2023. 

June 2023 Covid-19 Response Update

Let me start by saying that our commitment, as ever, has been to do our part in keeping Phoenix and it’s play spaces safe and accessible. We know that for some of you it’s meant dealing with some amount of discomfort, and we appreciate your cooperation with us as we have worked to keep people safe. We also know that by and large, we’re entering a new stage of managing this disease and it’s impact on our daily lives.

So with that in mind, we have a new set of policies that will go in place on June 2, 2023. I’ll go into my reasoning in more detail, but for now here’s the changes to our in-store mask policies:

• Masks will continue to be provided at the registers for free as needed.
• On Mondays and Tuesdays, Phoenix will require masks (for any business in-store) during the first 2 hours of operation (11 AM - 1 PM).
• Masks will be encouraged but not required after these hours.*
• Non-Alcoholic drinks and outside food will be allowed at tables again.
• Certain events may require masking at the event organizer’s discretion.

*Patrons and players who have a health condition that puts them at greater risk may request an accomodation to the above policies on a per-event basis. For more on how accomodations work, read on.

Updated Policy Explanation

Before we get started, let’s talk about the background for our reasoning here. As the rollout of vaccinations and updates to those vaccines continue, we have broadly seen a decrease in the number of cases of serious illness due to the virus. At the same time, we’ve taken measures to mitigate the spread of the virus within the store itself - our HVAC system has been adjusted to run more frequently, and we’ve installed and continue to maintain 3 high efficiency air purifiers within the main part of our store (and one smaller one in our office area).

So…why require masks at all then? As I said up at the top - our goal is to keep the store and its play spaces safe and accessible to everyone. And everyone includes folks who have health conditions that make them more vulnerable and at risk for serious complications. To better support those members of our communities, we’re asking everyone to mask up during the first 2 hours each day of the store’s operation. We’re also going to be opening up a way for members of those communities to still participate in specific events.

Requesting Accomodations

If you’re immunocompromised or have a health condition that puts you at serious risk for complications in the event of catching covid and you want to participate in an event, please reach out to us at least 48 hours prior to the event. 

You don’t need to tell us why. You just need to let us know that you want to attend an event here at the store, and you need an accommodation due to health reasons. 

If we hear from someone requesting an accomodation, we’ll share your request anonymously with the event organizer and ask them to accommodate. For events we’re hosting ourselves, we’ll make per-event requirements as needed to help accommodate your health restrictions. 

What will an accomodation look like?

Most often, an accommodation will look like an announcement at the beginning of an event that folks will be required to wear masks. Other accommodations might look like masks required at specific tables or restrictions on number of players at a specific table. Before we announce it we will discuss it with the person who requested the accommodation. 

And that’s it! We appreciate you taking the time to read up on these policies, and we hope you understand now why we’re adjusting them the way we are. If you have respectful feedback you’d like to provide about these policies, we’re open to hearing from you!