New Yorkers looking forward to enjoying an adult beverage al fresco can now do so during the city’s outdoor dining season, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced on Thursday.
The news comes after many restaurants faced conditional approvals for their outdoor dining applications, which included the prohibition of al fresco liquor. In other words, their permits had to be fully finalized, showing site diagrams and proof of insurance.
However, the New York State Liquor Authority (SLA), which oversees liquor licensing in New York, stepped in to give business owners the green light to serve alcoholic drinks at Al Fresco. Effective immediately, the agency will accept the conditional approvals — which are issued by the NYC Department of Transportation (DOT) — as proof of “municipal authorization for the use of public space” under the Dining Out NYC program.
The change essentially streamlines the approval process for establishments looking to expand their licensing premises to the street and sidewalk.
“Outdoor dining has become an essential part of New York City’s vibrant hospitality industry, and my administration is committed to ensuring businesses have the support they need to thrive,” Hochul said. “By recognizing NYC DOT’s conditional approvals, we are making it easier for restaurants and bars to offer al fresco options while ensuring compliance with the law and consideration of local input.”
DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez, applauded the state’s move.
“New Yorkers came to enjoy outdoor dining during the pandemic, and we are proud that it is now a permanent part of our city’s streetscape,” he said. “The New York City Department of Transportation took action to cut red tape and grant conditional approvals so that thousands of restaurants can serve customers as spring gets underway. We are pleased that the State Liquor Authority worked closely with us to make outdoor dining a success.”
The DOT came under scrutiny this year for what some New York restaurant owners and city officials said was a “backlog” of approvals, expressing concern that permits would not be ready in time for the season’s April 1 opening.
This was the first year since the COVID-19 pandemic that restaurants were forced to follow a NYC Council-approved rule that involved multiple agencies signing off on permits through what many called a “bureaucratic” approval process.
The NYC Council approval process includes agencies other than the DOT, such as the relevant community board, council member, and comptroller’s office.
Meanwhile, state officials said the new liquor approvals aim to make the outdoor dining season successful.
“The SLA is committed to delivering licensing decisions efficiently to support small businesses while protecting public safety,” SLA Chair Lily Fan said. “We appreciate the hard work and collaboration of our partners at the NYC DOT and the guidance of the Executive Chamber. Our shared goal is to make NYC’s dining out program a success, and I thank our staff for their diligence in processing these alteration applications.”
