Take It Outside Bill to reopen Matunuck Oyster Bar heads to full vote

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — The Take it Outside Bill now heads to the full Rhode Island House and Senate for consideration.

The legislation advanced Tuesday night in the House Committee on Small Business and the Senate Committee on Housing and Municipal Government.

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

The Take it Outside Bill would allow the restaurant to reopen on a limited basis in a temporary spot.

If passed, they’ll be allowed the parking lot across the street, so they can serve customers for 18 months or until the oyster bar is rebuilt.

A vote is scheduled for Thursday.