NJ lawmakers pass bill to allow permanent outdoor dining

A view of the sign for The Metuchen Inn, a popular eatery in Metuchen, N.J., in October 2017.
A view of the sign for The Metuchen Inn, a popular eatery in Metuchen, N.J., in October 2017. (Photo by Todd DeFeo/The DeFeo Groupe)

The New Jersey Senate passed bipartisan legislation that would make the temporary COVID-19 laws allowing restaurants and certain alcoholic beverage retailers to use adjacent outdoor spaces or public sidewalks permanent.

S-3608 would allow owners and operators of restaurants, bars, distilleries or breweries to use outdoor spaces they own or lease and are adjacent to or reasonably close to their business for selling food and beverages. Owners who seek to use outdoor spaces or public sidewalks must file applications with the municipal zoning officer.

The current temporary law that allows businesses to operate in these spaces expires on Nov. 30.

“Businesses and consumers have not only accepted these outdoor restaurant spaces but have grown to love the expanded options they provide,” state Sen. Vince Polistina, a Republican, said in a statement. “By moving this bill forward, we are making it clear that New Jersey is open for business and our communities can continue to flourish with a fun, active environment that so many enjoy.”

Palazzo Vecchio
About Sightseers’ Delight 658 Articles
Sightseers’ Delight started publishing in June 2016. The site, published by The DeFeo Groupe, collects and curates content about places where historical events large and small happened. The site builds off the legacy of The Travel Trolley, which launched in June 2009. The site aimed to be a virtual version of the trolley tours offered in so many cities.

Be the first to comment

Leave a Reply