Restaurants want permanent outdoor dining bill to be signed by Governor

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — The general assembly has approved several new laws to allow outdoor dining to become permanent in Rhode Island, and now the bill is awaiting a signature from Gov. Dan McKee.

Restaurants on Federal Hill told ABC 6 they benefit greatly from an outdoor scene, especially when there are no restrictions on when they can set it up.

The new bill would allow cities and towns in the Ocean State to adopt laws that limit outdoor dining on public property, limit the capacity of outdoor dining, and require barriers for outdoor dining areas that border parking lots or roadways.

However, the legislation will not allow for cities and towns to pass laws that prohibit outdoor dining, limit the time of year when outdoor dining is offered, restrict the hours of outdoor dining inconsistent with the establishment’s license, or require new parking capacity standards.

“I think it would be really cool. We get a lot of tourists and it is a big food area. A couple of spots on Broadway kind of have their barriers on their street and they are popular, people like them, I think it is a nice idea,” Manager at Harry’s Bar and Burger Abigail McCormick said. “People feel a lot more comfortable being outside eating because they have fresh air available to them.”

Local businesses said they want to see the bill signed Friday.

“We have probably outdoor seating for maybe 16-20 people. I think it is important they pass the bill just all the local restaurants need that support for that bill to be passed so we can generate more income and generate more sales. Pass the bill, please,” CEO of The Burrito Bowl Edward Thimas said.

Outdoor seating was implemented during the pandemic for businesses like The Burrito Bowl, and now there’s a chance they can continue that trend in similar fashion.

“You have to support local restaurants or we are all going to go out of business, and then what?” questioned Thimas.

ABC 6 is waiting to hear back from the Governor’s Office if he plans to sign the bill.