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.”