New York City is allowing retail businesses to operate outdoors in order to help them during this coronavirus pandemic.
This plan is modeled after the Open Restaurants program which allows for outdoor dining. This one is dubbed Open Storefronts and will let businesses sell items on the sidewalks and streets. Small Business Services Commissioner Jonnel Doris says the program runs through the end of the year.
“As we go into the holiday season, 70 percent of their sales come from this time so we are making this more accessible. We’re giving them the opportunity to get out in front of their stores and also engage their customers, do transactions right in front of the store.”
Stores must maintain an eight foot path for pedestrians. They are allowed to set up tents and umbrellas.