Framingham Extends Downtown Outdoor Dining Into 2021

FRAMINGHAM, MA — Outdoor table service in downtown Framingham will continue through at least next spring an approved the extension of a pandemic-era outdoor dining ordinance.

The Council voted Tuesday night to keep outdoor table service going in the central business district through May 2021.

The Framingham Board of License Commissioners can approve an outdoor dining extension for the businesses outside the downtown business district, Licensing Coordinator Diane Willoughby told the Council on Tuesday night. That may happen as soon as the next Board of License Commissioners meeting, she said.

Widespread outdoor dining emerged in Massachusetts early this summer as the state began to reopen following coronavirus shutdowns. Health officials believe outdoor activities are safer for virus spread due to better air circulation.

The state Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission is allowing restaurants with liquor licenses to serve outdoors for as long as 60 days after the coronavirus state of emergency ends. Gov. Charlie Baker declared state of emergency on March 10 with no definite end date in sight.

On Monday, Baker allowed restaurants to expand seating. However, Framingham is now pursuing that expansion due to rising cases locally.