Worcester Mayor Proposes Al Fresco Relief For Restaurants

WORCESTER, MA — Worcester Mayor Joseph Petty wants to relax the city's outdoor dining regulations to help restaurants get back in business this summer.

Petty has asked City Manager Edward Augustus Jr. to come up with a plan that would allow any restaurant to offer al fresco dining, either on the sidewalk outside a business or in the restaurant's parking lot. The request will be formally made at the May 19 City Council meeting, according to the agenda.

Under current rules, restaurants have to spend $156 to apply for an outdoor dining permit from the Department of Public Works and Parks. Petty's proposal would waive that application process "during this time of economic uncertainty and all social distancing rules shall apply at all times."

Restaurants across Massachusetts have been closed since mid-March and have only been able to offer takeout or delivery. Other New England states are trying outdoor dining as a way of allowing restaurants to reopen during coronavirus.

On Monday, restaurants across Rhode Island began offering outdoor dining. There are some strict rules: no more than five people at a time, tables must be set 8 feet apart, and diners must call ahead to make reservations. Connecticut will try a similar strategy following the Memorial Day weekend.

Gov. Charlie Baker has proposed a four-phase plan for reopening the state if the coronavirus pandemic begins to easy locally. Details about the first phase were leaked over the weekend and includes businesses like salons and recreational marijuana retailers.