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BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — Boston Mayor Michelle Wu announced on Thursday the city will be launching a permanent outdoor dining program.
The program will allow public spaces enjoyed for outdoor dining use during the temporary program to remain permanently. Restaurants will be able to fill out applications to participate in the permanent program later this month. Mayor Wu said the city's goal is to have restaurant patios open around May 1.
“Outdoor dining expanded as a way to keep our businesses open during the pandemic, and has turned into a popular opportunity to enjoy our streets and each other’s company,” Mayor Michelle Wu said in a statement. “The Permanent Outdoor Dining Program is a multi-departmental collaboration to reimagine our public space for the benefit of residents, business owners, and visitors. We’ve taken what we learned over the last couple years to inform the permanent program, and we’re committed to working with our neighborhoods to make this program a success.”
Read More: Mass. Restaurant Association Asks Lawmakers To Extend Outdoor Dining
The North End is not included in the on-street outdoor dining this year, Mayor Wu said. Restaurants in the neighborhood with "adequate sidewalk width" and "privately owned spaces seeking to have outdoor dining patios" will be able to apply for outdoor dining.
The new program will require participants to pay a monthly fee that goes towards further expanding outdoor dining around the city.
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