McEntee, DiMario bill extending outdoor dining signed by the Governor
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| Dine outdoors at Charlestown's Sly Fox Too, contender for this year's James Beard Award |
“The take it outside campaign has proven to be very popular with residents, tourists and business owners alike,” said Representative McEntee (D-Dist. 33, South Kingstown, Narragansett).
“With confusing zoning ordinances that vary from town to town, the process of
providing outdoor dining can be costly and overly burdensome on small
businesses. Passing this bill provides a window of relief while Senator DiMario
and I work with all the stakeholders, including the hospitality association,
the league of cities and towns, and individual business owners, to find a
long-term solution to keep outdoor dining going strong.”
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the state imposed a moratorium on some local ordinances that prohibited outdoor dining, allowing more restaurants around the state to serve customers outdoors. That moratorium is currently scheduled to end on April 1, 2023.
The legislation (2023-S 0683, 2023-H 5264A) would extend that moratorium to Feb. 15, 2024. Both Senator DiMario and Reprehensive McEntee
have introduced legislation (2023-S 0300) to make outdoor dining permanent, which they say they will continue to
pursue.
“With the warm weather
coming, our small-businesses deserve clarity and certainty,” said
Senator DiMario (D-Dist. 36, Narragansett,
North Kingstown, New Shoreham). “By passing this extension, we ensure
restaurants can plan for this spring and summer as we continue to work
with local leaders and small business owners to make outdoor dining permanent.”
The bill passed the
Senate by a vote of 36 to 0.
