New York considers making outdoor dining part of new normal

The New York City Council is considering making sidewalk dining provided by thousands of "streateries" a part of the new normal.

The 51-member council will vote on the bill at a later date if it makes it through a committee vote.

Sidewalk dining was first allowed in 2020 as a temporary measure to help offset the pandemic-triggered closure of indoor dining and the imposition of capacity restrictions.

Restaurants were quick to set up makeshift structures of plywood and plastic sheeting, and many later installed more elaborate structures, some with heaters, suggesting they hoped the program was here to stay.

The plan has the support of Mayor Eric Adams and the New York Hospitality Alliance, an industry association.

City officials and the restaurant industry have lauded the initiative for saving thousands of restaurants from closing permanently and enabling tens of thousands of workers to keep their jobs.

Bill sponsor Marjorie Velázquez noted that the temporary program saved over 100,000 jobs citywide.

Those against outside dining say that it has created unsanitary conditions, helped draw more rats to sidewalks, drawn noise complaints, and reduced parking spaces.

The Uniformed Firefighters Association has complained the sheds have narrowed streets that would delay their response and prevent them from safely raising ladders to windows.

With over 12,000 restaurants and bars taking part in the program, 360 streets were shut down to cars to expand space for outdoor restaurant dining.

Some council members questioned the city transportation department’s capacity to oversee such a program.