What began as a temporary solution during the 2020 COVID pandemic is now here to stay. Local restaurants can now keep their outdoor seating without worrying about time restrictions or emergency regulations. “Outdoor dining has proven to be an incredibly successful venture over the past four years, benefiting business owners and patrons alike,” Murphy said when he signed the bill on Nov. 25th.

In a rare moment of agreement, politicians from both parties joined forces to support this change. The permanent rules build on the emergency permits that helped businesses survive during lockdowns.

The new rules apply to restaurants everywhere in the state — from packed downtown areas to laid-back beach towns. Restaurant owners can now confidently invest in their outdoor spaces without stressing about permit renewals.

This is a major change from the temporary setup that emerged during COVID lockdowns. Before this law, outdoor dining permits would have expired this Saturday.

Local towns and cities will control the details, with each community creating its own rules about safety requirements, noise control, and how restaurants use public areas.