WEST HARTFORD, Conn. (WTIC Radio) - Connecticut restaurants are going to be able to continue serving meals al fresco under relaxed policies thanks to an extension of the state's pandemic rules on outdoor dining.
Outside West Hartford Center restaurants Wednesday, Governor Ned Lamont signed a bill that extends relaxed outdoor dining rules for another 13 months.
The relaxed rules were first established in early 2020 as a response to the economic challenges restaurants were facing due to the pandemic. Lamont then extended those rules in early 2021. That extension was set to expire Thursday, March 31.
This latest extension will keep the relaxed rules in place until April 30, 2023.
Connecticut Restaurant Association President and CEO Scott Dolch applauded the move, explaining that many restaurants are still struggling in their recovery from the pandemic.
"Our industry is still challenged right now. They're still dealing with worker shortage. They're still dealing with supply chain [issues]. They're still dealing with rising costs that you are all feeling at home, at the gas pumps or in the grocery stores. The restaurateurs... are dealing with that everyday. This is going to help them," Dolch said.
Outdoor dining played a crucial role in keeping many restaurants alive during the pandemic, Lamont said, and it can now play a similar role in their recovery.
The legislation passed with a unanimous vote in the Senate and with a 121 to 21 vote in the House.