BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — Outdoor dining has been a big hit with restaurant owners during the pandemic -- and the Baker Administration wants to make sure the option stays around a little while longer.
Measures are currently in place to allow cities and towns to permit outdoor dining because of the state of emergency in Massachusetts -- but the order is set to expire on June 15.
Governor Charlie Baker said this week that he is planning to file legislation that would extend those special permits through the end of November -- allowing owners to keep setting up tables and chairs outside their businesses.
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The extension would be a welcome sign in many areas across the state -- especially in the North End of Boston, where the outdoor dining season has been a lifeline for local eateries.
Acting Boston Mayor Kim Janey has also expressed support for keeping outdoor dining alive in the city --- as Gov. Baker said he is looking forward to working on the issue with the legislature.
WBZ's James Rojas (@JamesRojasWBZ) reports.
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Written by Rachel Armany
(Photo: Getty Images)