NYC Outdoor Dining likely to happen in New York City Before the End of June or Early July

The above title and some of the following is an educated guess by yours truly based upon all that’s transpired in New York State, within the NYC Council and the words of NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio.

On May 28, NYC Council Speaker Corey Johnson and Council Member Antonio Reynoso introduced Proposal No. 1957 allowing for temporary outdoor dining for food service establishments within the city. The bill was proposed in light of the COVID-19 Crisis and the effect it’s had on local restaurants and bars.

In turn, NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio has stated how he’s open to such an idea, but that it would not be facilitated until later in time, perhaps around New York City’s entrance into Phase 3 Re-opening status.

Both Governor Andrew Cuomo and Mayor de Blasio have clearly stated that the city would be reopening for Phase One on Monday, June 8, 2020. Some of the other regions of New York have already entered Phase two after a 14 day period of meeting certain state ordained metrics. As it’s been with them, one can anticipate it being likely that New York City would follow suit.

Thus, in consideration of these regions in Phase Two Status, there’s the following official press release issued by the Governor’s Office today:

Governor Cuomo Announces Outdoor Dining at Restaurants will be Permitted in Phase Two of Reopening

“Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced outdoor dining at restaurants will be permitted in phase two of reopening. Restaurants in the seven regions that have already entered phase two – the Capital Region, Central New York, the Finger Lakes, the Mohawk Valley, the North Country, the Southern Tier and Western New York – can reopen for outdoor dining beginning tomorrow, June 4th. Outdoor tables must be spaced six feet apart, all staff must wear face coverings and customers must also wear face coverings when not seated.”

Since the Mayor’s stated how open he is to the notion it’s likely, in our opinion, that the City Council’s Bill will pass sooner than expected.

In related news: we received a notice this evening from the City Council that tomorrow, the Committee on Consumer Affairs and Business Licensing will hold a hearing on Introduction 1957, relating to temporary space for outdoor dining.