Boston’s outdoor dining program extended a month

BOSTON — The city’s temporary outdoor dining program — which first took effect in June 2020 under a previous administration to help boost business at restaurants struggling during the COVID-19 pandemic — has been extended to Dec. 31 from Dec. 1, the mayor said in a statement.

“If people can sit at a Patriots game for several hours, they can sit at an outdoor dining spot for several hours,” said Dawn Oates, who enjoys outdoor dining.

“When you’ve been in New England for 30 years, you can take it.”

The extension applies to private patios and public streets, except for those restaurants on the narrow and crowded streets of the city’s North End, where outdoor dining ended Nov. 1.

“Activating public spaces to expand outdoor dining helps bolster our local businesses during pandemic recovery and creates connected communities spaces for residents, visitors, and families,” Wu said.

Expanding winter outdoor dining “will help our communities stay safe, healthy, and vibrant,” she said.

Existing prohibitions on tents and similar structures on public property, and on extension cords running across sidewalks, and requirement for appropriate permitting for propane heaters and fuel storage, remain in effect. Snow removal regulations still apply.

“I know a lot of people are not comfortable sitting inside due to COVID,” said Ilaria Lanari, the assistant general manager of Buttermilk and Bourbon. “The fact that it got extended is great news for us.”

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