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March 31, 2021

Senate approves outdoor dining expansion

Outdoor dining area at the Wood-n-Tap restaurant in Newington, 3375 Berlin Turnpike. Photo | Hartford Restaurant Group Outdoor dining area at the Wood-n-Tap restaurant in Newington, 3375 Berlin Turnpike.
By Zachary Vasile

The state Senate voted unanimously Tuesday to approve legislation easing outdoor dining restrictions through at least the next year.

The bill continues protections for any outdoor dining activity previously authorized by executive order through March 31, 2022. It also establishes a system by which local zoning officials can permit or expand outdoor dining at restaurants in their jurisdiction.

The legislation will now go to the desk of Gov. Ned Lamont, who has said he supports the changes and will sign the bill into law.

In a statement, Scott Dolch, executive director of the Connecticut Restaurant Association, praised the move as a boon to the state’s eateries, which have been navigating occupancy and social distancing requirements brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic for more than a year.

“Our industry is grateful that the state Senate has acted on this bill quickly and in a bipartisan manner, sending a message that Connecticut can rally around our state’s many local restaurants, the vast majority of which are small businesses,” Dolch said.

The Senate-approved plan aims to waive cumbersome paperwork for outdoor dining permits provided the applicants disclose relevant information about potential effects on public health, safety, and the environment.

Any applications filed would have to be responded to within 10 days, and all appeals of rejections would have to begin within one week.

Municipalities seeking to permanently expand outdoor dining and retail activity would also be allowed to expedite permanent changes to their zoning rules.
 

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