R.I. General Assembly approves ‘Take it Outside’ bill, now headed to governor

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — The General Assembly approved the “Take it Outside” bill on Wednesday, which would allow for the Matunuck Oyster Bar to serve customers in the parking lot across the street.

The bill aims to help the owner and 50 employees of the Matunuck Oyster Bar, which sustained heavy damage in a May fire.

If passed, the restaurant will be allowed to set up a mobile kitchen and serve customers in the parking lot across the street for 18 months, or until the oyster bar is rebuilt.

Additionally, any food service establishment considered “inhabitable” from a fire or flood would be able to operate outside temporarily.

The act would expire on June 30, 2027.

The legislation now heads to the governor.