Outdoor dining here to stay in NJ as Murphy signs bill
By: Matt Cortina
NorthJersey.com
USA Today Network - New Jersey
..... Outdoor dining is here to stay, Governor Phil Murphy on Monday [11/25/2024] signed into law a bill that makes COVID-era outdoor dining permissions permanent for restaurants, breweries and other food businesses.
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"Outdoor dining has proven to be an incredibly successful venture over the past four years, benefiting business owners and patrons alike," Murphy said in a press release. "I'm proud to continue this popular measure and look forward to seeing our restaurant industry continue to grow."
..... The bill (S3608/A4866), which passed the state legislature with unanimous support on October 25, [2024] authorize the continued sue of outdoor equipment such as tents, canopies, umbrellas, tables and chairs for outdoor dining. Food businesses were allowed to use these items under a temporary license first granted in February 2021, though those permissions were set to expire on November 30. [2024]
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Businesses that currently have a temporary expansion permit - issued by the New Jersey Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control - can now have it converted to a permanent permit, which will be renewable every year at the discretion of local officials.
..... Outdoor dining, of course, not only helped many food business survive the pandemic, it also was a hit among patrons and brought foot traffic to retailers that desperately needed it. The success of outdoor dining endured for many communities.
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"Outdoor dining enhances the vibrancy of our communities, driving foot traffic, supporting small businesses, and contributing to the growth of local economies," Natalie Pineiro, executive director of Downtown New Jersey, said in the press release. "This bill will ensure that downtowns across the state remain hubs of activity and innovation, benefiting both businesses and residential alike."
..... Expanded outdoor dining wasn't ideal everywhere, though. Local control of permitting was always a part of the legislation, as some municipalities fretted over the loss of sidewalk and parking space, and the additional noise that pop-up patios and rooftop cafes bring.
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For craft brewers, which have long battled the state over regulations of the industry, the codification of the outdoor expansion rules is a boon.
..... "Since the COVID pandemic, New jersey craft breweries have found outdoor seating options extremely popular among our customers," said Scott Wells, of Carlstadt's Bolero Snort Brewing Company. "In an industry where it is paramount to provide its loyal patrons the hospitality experiences they desire, making outdoor seating areas a permanent option fits into this goal.'
..... Matt Cortina is a food reporter for NorthJersey.com/The Record. Reach him at mcortina@gannett.com.