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NYC Council extends outdoor dining year-round
The New York City Council has passed a bill making outdoor dining a steady fixture throughout New York City through next fall.
NEW YORK - New York City has released its guidance for restaurants planning to continue to offer outdoor dining during the winter.
Last month Mayor Bill de Blasio announced that outdoor dining will be extended year-round, but on Thursday the city Council officially voted in favor of the measure.
Restaurants participating in the city’s Open Restaurants program will now have the option of using electric radiant heaters, which can be used on the sidewalk and roadway setting setups, or natural gas radiant heaters or portable heaters fueled by propane, both of which can only be used on the sidewalk to keep customers warm.
Restaurants with private outdoor seating space can also use heating devices with the guidance of the FDNY and the Department of Buildings.
The FDNY has posted specific safety guidelines on its website to let businesses know which specific heaters are allowed and where they can be placed.