McKee signing “Take it Outside” bill outside Matunuck Oyster Bar

SOUTH KINGSTOWN, R.I. (WLNE)– A month after a fire ravaged the Matunuck Oyster Bar shortly before the summer season, Gov. Dan McKee will be heading to the bar’s location to sign a bill allowing for the popular establishment to open in a different capacity.

The “Take it Outside” bill would allow severely damaged restaurants to temporarily reopen outdoors for up to 18 months after they’ve sustained severe damage.

McKee will officially sign the bill into law at 9 a.m. on Monday.

After the bill is passed into law, however, it would expire on June 30, 2027.

Monday marks the “soft opening” of Matunuck Oyster Bar’s al fresco dining, which will be in a tent across the street from the burnt restaurant.

Their official al fresco opening will take place on Tuesday.