OUTDOOR DINING IS WHERE IT’S AT!
FAB NEWS! Eater NY reports that NYC’s widespread outdoor dining program will return next year, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced in a press conference this week. The popular program will tentatively start on June 1 next year, although de Blasio said that the start date could potentially be pushed to earlier in the spring of 2021.
Since the city first allowed outdoor dining on sidewalks and in parking spaces earlier this year, 9,700 restaurants in the city have applied and been approved for outdoor dining permits, according to NYC’s Department of Transportation. The mayor said during the press conference that the program has supported approximately 80,000 jobs within the industry.
He called the program a “tremendous success,” and said that the announcement was made in advance so that restaurateurs and bar owners could depend on “additional revenue going forward” from the outdoor dining program.
This year’s outdoor dining program is currently scheduled to end on October 31, although that deadline may be extended depending on the weather. “We’re going to look at whether we can go further this year,” de Blasio said. “It’s still an open question.”
We’re extremely proud of how quickly and creatively our FAB FULTON-area restaurants and bars (about 25 of you) were able to pivot to provide outdoor accommodations under the new and constantly changing criteria. The whole FAB corridor is now buzzing with gorgeous al fresco spaces and has brought life to the previously quieted streets of Fort Greene and Clinton Hill! (Click here if you’d like to apply for the program.) As a reminder, though, please continue to follow all safety guidelines as provided by the city, regarding social distancing, alcohol sales/consumption and other important rules. The State Liquor Authority (SLA) and other agencies are out regularly inspecting for violations, and to date, they have issued citations to over 100 bars and restaurants. Don’t be their next target!
However, if you do receive a summons, contact the OATH Help Center who can help you understand the laws you are charged with breaking, the hearing process, and what information to email as evidence during your Hearing by Phone. The Help Center can also answer information related to how to correct violating conditions. For more information email your questions to smallbizhelp@oath.nyc.gov or call (212) 436-0845.
WE WANNA KNOW — BUT FOR A REASON…
Did you take our survey yet? In order to properly share information and opportunities with FAB FULTON-area businesses, we need to update our information. Among other things, we’re trying to discern how many women-owned businesses are in the district; which businesses have been around for 5 years or more; who has multiple locations, etc. In addition to passing on specific opportunities for things like loans or advertising, this information is helpful to mark (and celebrate) milestone occasions for the businesses in our corridor!
ABOUT FAB FULTON
The Fulton Area Business Alliance (FAB FULTON) is a non-profit organization that advocates for and collaborates with small businesses and property owners along Fulton Street in Brooklyn’s neighborhoods of Fort Greene and Clinton Hill to maintain a safe, clean, and welcoming community while securing resources and partnerships for initiatives that enhance and promote the district.
This post contains links to the articles and information referenced in our latest FAB BIZ BLAST email communication. You can subscribe to future newsletters; sign up here for the FAB FULTON BIZ BLAST to get the latest information and resources for FAB FULTON Businesses!
