New Rules Designed To Help Boston Restaurants Offer Outdoor Dining

BOSTON (CBS) – The City of Boston announced plans Thursday to help restaurants as they begin to reopen with coronavirus precautions under the state’s phased plan. Read: Here’s What Can Reopen In Massachusetts On Monday As part of the state’s phased reopening restaurants, which can currently only offer curbside and takeout options, fall in Phase 2. There is no date associated with the phase yet, but it will come no earlier than June 8. Boston’s Licensing Board voted on Thursday to streamline the process to make it easier for restaurants to open in different fashions such as with outdoor dining. “We want to help restaurants recover and create safe distance options for everyone,” said Walsh. “I want to be clear, this is for when dining and restaurants are allowed back in the plan, and that is not in Phase One, but we want to be ready. So, this morning the city of Boston Licensing Board took action to lift restrictions and streamline the process.” During the Thursday meeting, the board voted to allow restaurants to apply for a series of one-day outdoor dining licenses. The board also voted to lift the citywide condition that alcohol could be served with food only for outdoor space. The city also will waive fees for the approved use of outdoor space on a temporary basis. “I know that restaurants have really been suffering,” said Boston Licensing Board Chairwoman Kathleen Joyce. “I think outdoor dining options are important not only for the ...
Source: WBZ-TV - Breaking News, Weather and Sports for Boston, Worcester and New Hampshire - Category: Consumer Health News Authors: Tags: Boston News Covid-19 Boston, MA Health Healthcare Status Syndicated Local Anaridis Rodriguez Boston Mayor Marty Walsh Coronavirus Source Type: news