Just a few weeks ago, New York City curbs were piled high with snow that had overstayed its welcome.
On Wednesday, outdoor dining sheds began to replace memories of snow piles as the city’s al fresco dining program returned.
What You Need To Know
Beginning Wednesday, New York City’s al fresco dining program returns
Under the current “Dining Out NYC” program, business owners have to follow specific safety, design and accessibility regulations when it comes to their roadway dining setups
Restaurants must pay a fee based on location and square footage, and for now, they can only remain in place from April 1 through Nov. 29
Under the current “Dining Out NYC” program, business owners have to follow specific safety, design and accessibility regulations when it comes to their roadway dining setups.
Restaurants must pay a fee based on location and square footage, and for now, they can only remain in place from April 1 through Nov. 29.
Sidewalk dining, however, is permitted year-round. Recently, there has been support to amend the law and allow for roadside dining all year long too.
If outdoor dining were to be permitted in the winter months, businesses would not have to pay the cost to set up, break down, store or repurchase materials each year for the roadside sheds.
Andrew Rigie, executive director of the NYC Hospitality Alliance, said the seasonality of the program has caused many businesses to opt out of the program.
“Roadway dining, outdoor dining in general, is great for local small businesses. We always talk about how they are struggling,” Rigie said on “Mornings On 1” Wednesday. “It helps generate revenue, create jobs. People love dining al fresco, and if you reduce the red tape, you make the roadway cafes year-round, I think you’ll definitely see more restaurants participating.”
According to the city’s Department of Transportation, roughly 1,800 roadway and/or sidewalk dining setups are eligible to operate outdoor dining. Of those, just over 700 are licensed, while the remainder can operate with preexisting conditional sidewalk dining approval as their applications are pending.
As for when the City Council will vote on the proposal for year-round outdoor dining, that remains unclear.
Dining and Cooking