Boston Outdoor Dining Resuming No Later Than April 1

BOSTON — In a sign of better days to come, Boston announced Monday it will reopen outdoor dining April 1 at the latest. The city said outdoor dining will return even earlier if weather permits.

The city said its pilot program will offer assistance to restaurants by streamlining the permit process and accommodating outdoor patios, among other help.

The city has so far approved more than 150 of the more than 370 online applications. Last year more than 550 applications were approved.

Businesses can apply online. Those who took place in the 2020 program must re-apply.

Outdoor dining was one of the few bright spots to emerge from the first few months of a dreary pandemic in Boston. It will return in a world where vaccines are being administered by the thousands, but the coronavirus still posing a deadly threat.

The pilot program is scheduled to end Dec. 1., weather permitting.

"Outdoor dining contributes to a vibrant, welcoming city, and we’ve seen the benefits outdooring has had on our neighborhoods: supporting local businesses, a safe and enjoyable experience for restaurant patrons, and an added resource for Boston’s small businesses during this challenging time," Mayor Marty Walsh said in a statement. "Boston has worked hard to ensure this is an accessible, streamlined process for businesses, and I look forward to the 2021 outdoor dining season starting this spring."

Massachusetts restaurants do not face a capacity limit as of Monday, but still must abide by restrictions such as keeping 6 feet (or partitions) between tables and seating no more than six people at a table.