Summary:
November 29th is the final deadline for NYC restaurants to remove outdoor dining sheds.
Failure to comply results in hefty fines: $500 for the first offense, $1000 for subsequent violations.
The Department of Transportation's "Dining out NYC" program makes roadway dining seasonal (April 1st - November 29th).
Sidewalk dining is allowed year-round.
Restaurant owners face challenges finding contractors to remove the sheds.
NYC's Outdoor Dining Sheds: A Bittersweet Farewell
<img src="https://media.nbcnewyork.com/2019/09/NYC_aerial-1-1.png?fit=2060%2C847&quality=85&strip=all&w=400&h=44&crop=1" alt="NYC Aerial View">The deadline has arrived: Friday, November 29th, marks the end of the era for NYC's ubiquitous outdoor dining sheds. Restaurants must remove these structures or face hefty fines—$500 for the first offense, $1000 for subsequent violations.
This is part of the Department of Transportation's new permanent outdoor dining program, "Dining out NYC." This program will make roadway dining seasonal, running from April 1st to November 29th.
While the sheds are going, sidewalk dining remains allowed year-round. Future roadway setups will have a different design, featuring soft canopy tops.
For restaurant owners like Eric Lima of Old John's Luncheonette, the removal presents logistical challenges. Finding a construction crew to dismantle the sheds is proving difficult, highlighting the practical impact of the deadline.
What This Means for NYC Diners:
- Seasonal Outdoor Dining: Roadway dining will be available only during warmer months.
- Sidewalk Dining Continues: Enjoy your meals outdoors on sidewalks year-round.
- New Designs: Expect changes in the look and design of future outdoor dining setups.
Comments
Join Our Community
Create an account to share your thoughts, engage with others, and be part of our growing community.