NYC Makes Outdoor Dining Permanent and Year-Round

Back in July, the city announced an outdoor dining program that was aimed to help restaurants stay afloat despite challenges from COVID-19 restrictions.

Restaurant owners could easily offer sidewalk seating and seating on streets closed off to traffic.

However, restaurant owners were fearful of the colder months, as indoor seating is limited to 25% capacity and the outdoor dining program was set to end on October 31st.

“Open Restaurants was a big, bold experiment in supporting a vital industry and reimagining our public space and it worked. As we begin a long-term recovery, we’re proud to extend and expand this effort to keep New York City the most vibrant city in the world. It’s time for a new tradition.”Mayor Bill de Blasio

To account for the colder weather, restaurants will be allowed to:

• Extend outdoor seating into adjacent properties, with permission from their neighboring landlord.
• Put up tents over their outdoor dining areas, but at least 50% of the walls must remain open or seating will be limited to 25% capacity.
• Use electric heaters on both the sidewalk and curbside dining setups, with permits from FDNY.