ERIC ADAMS (FILE)
NEW YORK: New York City Mayor Eric Adams, Deputy Mayor of Operations Jeff Roth, and Department of Transportation Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez have announced the revival of outdoor dining across the city.
Mayor Adams stated that under the “Dining Out” program, restaurants will be allowed to set up dining areas on streets from April 1 to November 29, with hopes of boosting the economy and business activities.
According to officials, 2,450 restaurants are currently offering outdoor dining, with more expected to join.
Adams described the initiative as one of the city’s most popular programs, saying it not only supports small businesses but also reflects New York’s vibrant lifestyle.
Deputy Mayor Roth noted that outdoor dining in New York City haf become the largest permanent program of its kind in the country, now twice the size of the previous sidewalk café plan.
DOT Commissioner Rodriguez said the initiative would help make city streets more dynamic and attractive.
According to the new policy, sidewalk dining will be available year-round, while roadway dining will only be allowed from April 1 to November 29. So far, 600 restaurants have received conditional approval for roadway dining and 1,850 for sidewalk dining. The Adams administration has pledged to streamline and expedite the process so businesses can start operating quickly.
The city has also introduced a “Dining Out New York Marketplace” to help restaurants purchase or rent outdoor dining setups. Rental packages start at $1,000 per month or $33 per day, eliminating the need for additional storage at the end of the season. This initiative is part of Mayor Adams’ plan to expand world-class public spaces in New York City.
In 2024, the Adams administration expanded the Open Streets program to 249 locations, including 71 new school zones, providing a safer environment for children and parents.
