New rules in place for outdoor dining in NYC

Restaurants now have about a month to create or fix set ups that abide by these rules before the program starts on March 1.

Mary-Lyn Buckley and Adolfo Carrion

Feb 2, 2024, 10:45 PM

Updated 245 days ago

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The city has released what they are calling the "final rules" for restaurants to participate in outdoor dining in New York City. 
Restaurants now have about a month to create or fix set ups that abide by these rules before the program starts on March 1. 
Those rules include having the outdoor structure a proper distance away from things like fire hydrants and subway systems, keeping a clear sidewalk path, and using easy-to-move furniture and coverings. The cost of signing up to participate in outdoor dining is also going down - but not all restauranteurs are on board. 
"I don't think us spending money to remove pieces during the winter will allow us to save any money," said Octavio Simanca, chef at Chef Oskar Restaurant. "It's an extra expense for the restaurant."