Peabody Looks To Fast Track Outdoor Resaturant Seating

PEABODY, MA — City Council voted 11-0 to hold a special meeting June 4 to discuss Peabody Mayor Ted Bettencourt's plan to allow restaurants to temporarily seat customers outside.

Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker could outline procedures for reopening restaurants as early as his daily news conference on Friday. Restaurant dining rooms have been closed since his March 15 emergency order to slow the spread of the coronavirus.

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According to the Salem News, which first reported this story, Bettencourt's plan would let restaurants work directly with his office to apply for temporary, outdoor seating permits that would expire Nov. 1. City Council typically handles seating permits.

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Dave Copeland writes for Patch and can be reached at dave.copeland@patch.com or by calling 617-433-7851. Follow him on Twitter (@CopeWrites) and Facebook (/copewrites).