NEW YORK (1010 WINS) -- Expanded outdoor dining for New York City restaurants will be permanent and year-round, Mayor Bill de Blasio said Friday.
The mayor said the extension applies to both the Open Restaurants and Open Streets: Restaurants initiatives.
The Open Restaurants initiative allows restaurants to expand their seating to sidewalks and curb lanes to promote open space and encourage social distancing amid the pandemic. More than 10,300 establishments are taking part in it.
The Open Streets: Restaurants initiative allows restaurants to expand their dining onto 85 car-free streets citywide on certain days.
The mayor said he believes the move will make it easier for restaurants to survive and that it's an important part of the city's recovery.
"Open Restaurants was a big, bold experiment in supporting a vital industry and reimaging our public space. And it worked," de Blasio said in a statement. "As we begin a long-term recovery, we're proud to extend and expand this effort to keep New York City the most vibrant city in the world. It's time for a new tradition."
The announcement comes days before restaurants are allowed to resume indoor dining at 25% capacity on Sept. 30.
As the weather gets colder, restaurants can create enclosed dining areas outdoors and use heating elements with restrictions. For example, fully enclosed areas outside will have to follow indoor dining guidelines.
Here's a breakdown of some of the rules and regulations:
