Gov. Cuomo extends outdoor street, sidewalk dining
An Albany restaurant is set up for outdoor dining in the street.[File / WNYT]
Restaurants can keep using sidewalks and streets for outdoor dining.
Gov. Cuomo signed legislation Wednesday extending permission for another year.
The legislation first issued in June 2020 has been a critical lifeline to bars and restaurants, which suffered dramatically due to pandemic-related capacity restrictions and closures.
"By extending the much-needed lifeline that allowed restaurants to use outdoor public spaces for seating during the pandemic, New York is ensuring that these small businesses will be able to continue to use these spaces as they work to rebuild and support the revitalization of the Empire State," Gov. Cuomo said in a statement.
Gov. Cuomo says restaurants must meet all applicable laws and have a permit from their municipality.