An extension has been granted for an idea that became a standard as a result of the COVID quarantine. Outdoor dining became a major option in 2020 when the Seattle City Council passed an ordinance that amended the Street Use Permit Fee Schedule. This authorized a new free permit for temporary business uses during the COVID-19 recovery.
Many ideas came about to relieve restaurant owners who took big hits when they had to totally shut down. The public became quarantine fatigued and wanted to go back to eating out. This program enables restaurants and other storefronts to use streets outside of their businesses for dining and displays. It passed unanimously with an 8-0 vote.
The mask mandate has been lifted, however, places of business have the discretion to require masks or not. The street permit program would have expired in May. The Seattle City Council voted to extend the permit through Jan. 31, 2023.
Many dining areas placed tables and chairs onto the sidewalks outside of their business. This turned dining into an outside experience and kept diners wanting to dine out from fearing COVID. Outdoor dining has delivered some financial relief during the pandemic for restaurants.
Streateries are popular now. In many cities around the country, streateries line sidewalks and streets. Store owners have raved about the idea that has kept them in business during tough economic times caused by the virus.
The Washington Hospitality Association data states the restaurant industry’s total loss in a full year of the pandemic was more than $5 billion in year-over-year sales. It included the stat that more than 3,000 restaurants in the state have closed in the last two years. Curbside dining helped restaurants stay afloat.
