Outdoor Dining Programs Extended, Masks Continue In Baltimore

BALTIMORE, MD — Programs that have enabled restaurants to increase their footprint during the coronavirus pandemic have been continued, the mayor of Baltimore announced Wednesday.

"Small businesses are the backbone of a healthy Baltimore economy, and our road to recovery must run through them," Mayor Brandon M. Scott said in a statement.

Restaurants may continue applying online for two types of programs, Scott announced at a news conference Wednesday afternoon — Baltimore's Outdoor Dining Street Closure and Outdoor Seating Relief programs.

"The Outdoor Dining Street Closure and the Outdoor Seating Relief programs are a great way for Baltimore restaurants to expand their capacity outdoors while offering a safe, enjoyable dining experience for patrons,” Scott said.

Due to the number of unvaccinated residents, the mayor said the mandate requiring masks inside and out will remain in effect.

"Baltimore City has hit a significant milestone with 33 percent of city residents 16 and older being fully vaccinated," Scott said Wednesday, "but this means two out of three people you pass on the street on not yet vaccinated."

City officials said the mask mandate would remain in effect until 65 percent of Baltimore residents have been vaccinated against COVID-19.

Application Process

• For street closures or parking lanes to accommodate outdoor dining, contact the Baltimore City Department of Transportation.
• To get a permit for outdoor seating areas, restaurants should apply on the city's permitting website by logging in and selecting the category "Outdoor Seating — Temporary." A response will be provided within seven business days, according to the city.

Business leaders applauded the continuation of programs enabling restaurants and licensed food establishments to get more space for outdoor dining.

"If there was a bright spot in the past year, it’s the way our communities and City government came together to help local businesses, and create new ways to activate public space," Downtown Partnership of Baltimore president Shelonda Stokes said. "This is particularly useful in older communities where there aren’t patios or wide sidewalks to easily add outdoor dining."

See Also: Baltimore Keeps Mask Mandate Intact Despite State Lifting It