Barnstable Officials Release Guidelines For Outdoor Dining

BARNSTABLE, MA — Town officials released new guidelines for restaurants looking to open for outdoor dining amid the coronavirus pandemic.

As Gov. Charlie Baker has initiated the second phase of the Massachusetts reopening plan, town officials created applications for businesses looking to take advantage.

Town officials said the guidelines allow for a streamlined approach to a multi-departmental approval. Remote meeting reviews will be held with many of the town’s departments and the applicants.

Licensing Director Richard Scali and Permit Coordinator Maggie Flynn are prescreening the applications for appropriateness and coordinating the plan review. Scali was given the approval by the Licensing Authority to review and approve the license extension of premises applications with notice to the Licensing Authority and to the Alcohol Beverages Control Commission.

Baker, through the Legislature, has relaxed the laws by allowing local authorities to approve temporary alcohol extensions of premises which will be in effect until Nov. 1. The Board of Health has also given administrative approval to Health Director Thomas McKean to review the applications and to allow temporary exemptions to requirements for outdoor dining as appropriate while maintaining public safety.

Town officials said they've also planned lane closures on Main Street to make more space for businesses.

"This was a multi-departmental approach which was developed in cooperation with Licensing, Planning and Development, Inspectional Services, and Asset Management as well as local fire districts in record speed," Scali said in a statement. "It will allow our restaurants to be open and operating as soon as possible with expansion of existing outside dining or new patios on private or public space or a combination thereof."

All restaurants must adhere to the social distancing seating and walkway guidelines as laid out by Baker and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health guidelines.

"Town staff has worked hard to think outside the box and work with civic and town leaders to come up with a plan that will consider the needs of all our businesses," Town Manager Mark Ells said. "The plan is still subject to adjustments as we move forward. Each business has its own special set of circumstances and space limitations."

For details of the Guidelines and an application, please go to: https://town.barnstable.ma.us/Departments/LicensingDivision/News_and_Updates/Reopening-Guidelines-Package.pdf or email: Richard.scali@town.barnstable.ma.us or Margaret.flynn@town.barnstable.ma.us.