After ordering a margarita on a chilly patio in Boston recently, I looked at the waiter and I said, Soon, the only thing youll have on the menu is frozen margaritas, Dr. Karan said.
More than 10,600 restaurants have signed up for New York Citys outdoor dining program, a huge increase over the 1,023 sidewalk cafes before the pandemic. The program helps offset the indoor dining limit that many establishments say is not enough to climb out of their financial hole. Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo said that capacity could be raised to 50 percent, but it is unclear when.
The city and state have imposed new rules for winter outdoor dining: A space will be considered indoor dining if more than 50 percent of its wall area is covered and be subject to the 25 percent capacity limit and other restrictions, including spacing tables six feet apart.
But given the sheer number of restaurants, it remains to be seen how strictly the city will police outdoor dining. Officials said various agencies, including the transportation, buildings and health departments, will play a role in ensuring that restaurants do not block streets and have safe structures that do not pose virus risks.
Well work closely with the industry to make sure every outdoor structure is ready for cold weather and safe for diners and staff, Mitch Schwartz, a spokesman for the mayor, said.
Outdoor dining has become part of a broader movement catalyzed by the pandemic to repurpose city streets long dominated by cars. The mayor, under pressure from transportation and open space advocates, has designated 83 miles of streets for walking, biking and dining. Most recently, stores were allowed to expand onto sidewalks.
Making outdoor dining permanent has taken away parking spots, drawing complaints from drivers. Adam Kadi, 30, a food delivery driver, said he now had to double park while making deliveries in Queens because dining cabanas took up curb space. I get a lot of parking tickets, he said.read more
The Setups for Outdoor Winter Dining Are Lavish. But Are They Safe?
