BOSTON — Boston Mayor Walsh has launched the outdoor dining pilot program for 2021. The program will continue to have many of the successful initiatives from this year’s program including streamlined permitting and outdoor patios on roadways that enable restaurants with narrow sidewalks to offer patio seating to patrons. You can access applications for outdoor dining licenses on both public and private property here.
“I’m pleased to announce an outdoor dining pilot program for the 2021 season. This year we saw the benefits outdoor dining can have on our neighborhoods: vibrant streets, support for local businesses, a safe and enjoyable experience for restaurant-goers, and, in many ways, a lifeline for our small businesses during this challenging time,” said Mayor Walsh. “We have appreciated the feedback from restaurants and residents, and look forward to their continued input as we develop a outdoor dining plan for next year that balances public health, our restaurants, and our residents.”
The 2021 pilot program will begin April 1, 2021, or early if weather permits and will end on December 1, 2021, weather permitting. Restaurants that took part in the 2020 outdoor dining program who wish to do so in 2021 must re-apply. Applications from restaurants that did not participate in 2020 will also be accepted. The Boston Licensing Board approved more than 550 requests for outdoor dining with over 415 on public property in 2020. Every single neighborhood in Boston was represented in the total approved outdoor spaces this year.
Boston has made several changes from the temporary 2020 program, based on feedback received from the public including:
• Moving the application process to another online platform where businesses can track the status of their applications for more transparency
• Additional time built into the process, so that restaurants can procure proper materials and plan for operations that will include an outdoor dining space
• Clear guidance for outdoor dining on public and private property that will be available in both English and Spanish, with other languages available upon request. The full guidance is available online, here.
• Consistent enforcement that will focus on ensuring licensees adhere to all requirements issued by the City to ensure outdoor dining is safe and enjoyable
• 1:1 assistance for restaurant owners who require support and/or translation of the online application
There will also be virtual application help sessions available to assist restaurants in preparing and submitting their applications. The first session is scheduled for Wednesday, December 16 at 5 pm. Registration is required, please sign up using this link. Interpretation for this session is available upon request, please contact 2021outdoordining@boston.gov for more information.
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