‘It’s not just business’: McKee signs ‘Take It Outside’ bill into law at site of Matunuck Oyster Bar

WAKEFIELD, R.I. (WLNE) — Monday morning, Governor Dan McKee signed the “Take it Outside” legislation right at the site of its most famous benefactor, the Matunuck Oyster Bar.

This legislation the governor signed allows restaurants where disasters occurred 18 months to reopen in an outdoor space.

Matunuck Oyster Bar itself, burned in a fire on May 20th, will now be open for al fresco dining in a tent across the street.

Owner Perry Raso said that seeing the community stand behind the bar after the fire was incredibly meaningful.

“I think there is a togetherness that the people really feel close to each other,” said Raso.

“It’s not just a business, this isn’t just about the food or the service or the building, it’s about this togetherness, that people come together and have this community.”

The bill sunsets two years from now to the date, though state representative Carol Hagan McEntee said at the event that she would like to make the legislation permanent.

Tuesday marks the grand opening of the bar in its outdoor format for the summer season.