Wakefield Extends Outdoor Dining Program For Restaurants

WAKEFIELD, MA — The Wakefield Town Council recently voted to extend the town's program allowing restaurants to use designated public spaces for outdoor dining. It also amended liquor licenses for eateries that wish to serve alcohol at their outdoor spaces.

Originally approved for Thursday at noon to Sunday at 10 p.m., the June 22 vote amended the public space program to seven days a week. The Council also supports allowing retail merchants to extend into sidewalk areas, provided accessibility and ADA compliance is retained.

Councilors agreed to monitor and adjust the plan as necessary, with a goal of helping local businesses reopen under the governor's Phase 2 guidelines.

Highlights of the plan include:

• Certain areas of public way on Main St., Water St., North Ave., and Tuttle St. will be available for outdoor dining. Access the application.
  • The Department of Public Works will set up all necessary barriers to ensure safety of the on-street spaces. Establishments will need to provide their own tables, chairs, and umbrellas (if desired).
  • There should be a 90-minute maximum per seating with a six-party limit per table. Contact logs should be maintained.
• A restaurant with a private parking or lawn area can utilize that space without Town approval.
  • However, if it holds a liquor license and intends to serve outside, the Town must amend its license to reflect the expanded footprint. View the license-amendment application
• Retail establishments wishing to use sidewalk space should contact the Town Administrator’s office to coordinate.
• All establishments must adhere to the Governor’s reopening guidelines, including restaurant-specific and/or retail protocols, and maintain ADA accessibility.