The decision on whether outdoor dining structures will stick around in New York City is set to be made in a City Council vote on Thursday. 

The outdoor dining structures first emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic to allow restaurants across the five boroughs to accommodate customers as quickly and safely as possible. 

City Council members will come together to decide if these structures will be able to operate year-round. If the vote passes to keep the structures, it will cost restaurants less to participate in outdoor dining compared to the once-pricey licenses needed.