The New Jersey Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee approved a measure to allow restaurants, bars, distilleries, and breweries to continue to operate outdoor service.
The bill, S-3608, would allow for the continuation of an expansion in operations that proved successful during the COVID-19 pandemic in helping businesses that experienced losses due to the public health crisis.
Outdoor service would otherwise expire on Nov. 30.
“In the years since COVID, businesses have benefitted immensely from the use of outdoor spaces and the public has come to appreciate those expanded options,” Republican state Sen. Vince Polistina said in an announcement. “By making sure the temporary law becomes permanent, we can ensure that businesses continue to flourish.”
The bill would continue regulations allowing restaurants, bars, distilleries, and breweries to utilize covered and uncovered patios and decks, yards, walkways, parking lots and public sidewalks for food and alcohol consumption. The bill would create a separate process for new businesses seeking permits and an additional step for those serving alcohol.
The business operators would have to continue to comply with local ordinances related to health, safety, fire and zoning.
