New York City’s transportation department has issued a notice stating that dining establishments must apply for the “Dining Out NYC” program by August 3 in order to continue offering outdoor dining. Businesses that do not comply will face fines. The transportation department will provide online guidelines, services, and templates to facilitate application participation.
The department’s director, Ydanis Rodriguez, issued the notice on July 8, reminding restaurant and hotel owners that they have 27 days left to apply for outdoor dining, with the deadline set for August 3 under the “Dining Out NYC” initiative.
This requirement applies specifically to dining establishments currently participating in the “Temporary Outdoor Dining Program.” New and existing establishments not currently participating can apply for “Dining Out NYC” at any time.
The “Outdoor Dining” program was introduced by the city of New York in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, initially to comply with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) requirement of a safe distance of 6 feet between individuals. Following the pandemic, many restaurants requested to continue using outdoor dining spaces to expand service areas and attract more customers, especially during the summer season when patrons prefer dining outdoors.
In actuality, this initiative has proven beneficial for many businesses. Chinatown Business Improvement District’s executive director, Chen Zuozhou, told The Epoch Times on the 8th that a noodle shop on Doyers Street saw a tenfold increase in business post-pandemic due to the expanded outdoor dining space.
“So, in many cases, it’s self-deception. Some say the pandemic wiped out business in Chinatown, but some merchants are actually expanding, opening multiple branches,” he said. “For some people, ‘crisis’ is indeed ‘opportunity.'”
Businesses wishing to apply can access detailed guidelines and application templates on the web: nyc.gov/DiningOut
“Take action now! Restaurants with outdoor dining facilities must apply to participate in ‘Dining Out NYC’ by August 3 or dismantle their structures,” Rodriguez stated in a press release. “Outdoor dining enhances community appeal, and we are pleased to make it a permanent feature of New York City streets.”
Restaurants with temporary outdoor dining facilities must ensure their structures comply with New York City’s outdoor dining design requirements within 30 days of approval or by November 1 this year. Failure to apply on time may result in penalties, with initial violations incurring a $500 fine and subsequent violations facing a $1,000 fine.
Under the newly enacted legislation by the city council, sidewalk outdoor dining will be seasonal, running until November 29 each year and resuming on April 1 the following year.