Outdoor dining in most Boston neighborhoods begins Friday.Some city restaurants that have patios on their private property and have done al fresco dining for years, but other establishments received a temporary outdoor dining permit to do business on public property.At La Neta on Newbury Street, the owner eager to set up outdoor dining.“People are excited. It brings a different vibe to the city and I hope it keeps going,” said owner Allan Rodriguez. His restaurant gets a big boost from the extra outdoor seating.“inside, I have a 24-seat capacity. I’m going to be able to put 10 to 12 tables outside, 20 to 24 seats,” he said. Other restaurants still waiting for approval.“We submitted (the application) about two weeks ago, we have all the information, but we didn’t get approval yet,” said Alex Sojfer, manager of La Voile.Gov. Charlie Baker tweeted Friday that he will be signing legislation that will extend rules to make it easier to offer outdoor dining.The program began in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the need to shift more activities outdoors. In 2021, it lasted from early spring through the end of the year.Changes for the program this season include updates to barrier safety requirements, fire safety guidance and insurance requirements. Outdoor dining spaces will be required to have an evacuation plan and subject to new closing hours.From Sunday through Thursday, outdoor spaces will be required to close by 9:30 p.m., with all customers leaving by 10 p.m. On Fridays and Saturdays, those times are extended by one hour.Business owners had to reapply and attend classes ahead of the outdoor dining start date.Outdoor dining in the North End will not begin until May 1. Restaurant owners in that neighborhood are fighting with the city over a $7,500 fee imposed just for that area.Boston Mayor Michelle Wu said restaurants can apply for hardship waivers or pay pro-rated fees for a shorter outdoor dining season. She says the money would help with the traffic, trash and rodents that come with expanded outdoor dining. Outdoor dining across the city ends in December, but an exact date has not yet been set.
Outdoor dining in most Boston neighborhoods begins Friday.
Some city restaurants that have patios on their private property and have done al fresco dining for years, but other establishments received a temporary outdoor dining permit to do business on public property.
At La Neta on Newbury Street, the owner eager to set up outdoor dining.
“People are excited. It brings a different vibe to the city and I hope it keeps going,” said owner Allan Rodriguez.
His restaurant gets a big boost from the extra outdoor seating.
“inside, I have a 24-seat capacity. I’m going to be able to put 10 to 12 tables outside, 20 to 24 seats,” he said.
Other restaurants still waiting for approval.
“We submitted (the application) about two weeks ago, we have all the information, but we didn’t get approval yet,” said Alex Sojfer, manager of La Voile.
Gov. Charlie Baker tweeted Friday that he will be signing legislation that will extend rules to make it easier to offer outdoor dining.
The program began in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the need to shift more activities outdoors. In 2021, it lasted from early spring through the end of the year.
Changes for the program this season include updates to barrier safety requirements, fire safety guidance and insurance requirements. Outdoor dining spaces will be required to have an evacuation plan and subject to new closing hours.
From Sunday through Thursday, outdoor spaces will be required to close by 9:30 p.m., with all customers leaving by 10 p.m. On Fridays and Saturdays, those times are extended by one hour.
Business owners had to reapply and attend classes ahead of the outdoor dining start date.
Outdoor dining in the North End will not begin until May 1. Restaurant owners in that neighborhood are fighting with the…
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