Out with the Sheds, In with the Future of Outdoor Dining in NYC
Deadline Looms for NYC Restaurants to Dismantle Outdoor Dining Sheds
Friday marks the deadline for New York City restaurants to take down their outdoor dining sheds, a ubiquitous feature of the city’s culinary landscape since the pandemic. For some establishments, these sheds were massive investments, complete with elaborate lighting, heating, and air conditioning. However, as the COVID-19 threat waned, others became dilapidated.
The Consequences of Non-Compliance
Establishments that fail to dismantle their outdoor dining sheds by the end of the day will face hefty fines. The Department of Transportation (DOT) has a team of inspectors ready to issue fines, starting with $500 for the first offense and increasing to $1,000 for each subsequent violation until the setup is removed.
The Future of Outdoor Dining in NYC
The DOT’s new permanent outdoor dining program, "Dining out NYC," will make roadway dining seasonal, allowing for the DOT to reclaim street spaces. The new program will be in effect from April 1 to November 29, with businesses able to rebuild temporary street structures starting this spring and taking them down again next November.
Design Changes Ahead
When street dining returns, the design will be different, featuring soft canopy tops and other improvements to enhance the experience.
Restaurant Perspectives
At old John’s luncheonette, manager Eric Lima initially planned to keep the shed up as long as possible, but will ultimately be taking it down due to the potential fines. "It’s hard to find a construction company to take it down," he said. Meanwhile, at Wicked Willy’s on Bleecker Street, employee Jennifer Guillen reflected on the shed’s significance, saying, "It’s not a stretch to say the outdoor structure once saved my job when the pandemic forced people to eat and drink outside."
Sidewalk Dining Remains an Option
While the outdoor dining sheds must come down, sidewalk dining is still allowed year-round.
FAQs
Q: What is the deadline for dismantling outdoor dining sheds?
A: Friday
Q: What are the consequences of non-compliance?
A: Fines of $500 for the first offense and $1,000 for each subsequent violation until the setup is removed.
Q: What is the new outdoor dining program called?
A: "Dining out NYC"
Q: When does the new outdoor dining program go into effect?
A: April 1 to November 29
Q: What changes can we expect in the design of outdoor dining spaces?
A: Soft canopy tops and other improvements will be implemented to enhance the experience.
