The New York City Council and Mayor Eric Adams have reached a deal on a long stalled bill to address outdoor dining.
The agreement that still needs to be voted on would allow for outdoor dining year round on sidewalks and would allow dining structures on streets for eight months out of the year from spring until fall. Director of the New York City Hospitality Alliance Andrew Rigie says the deal cuts red tape and lowers fees for restaurants to participate.
"It's going to cost less money for small businesses. Sidewalk cafes were often cost prohibitive for smaller restaurants before the pandemic struck and they are going to have roadway dining, something that was not even available before the pandemic.
Basic design guidelines for the outdoor dining structures still need to be determined. About 12-thousand restaurants participate in outdoor dining city-wide.