Freehold Township Approves Emergency Outdoor Dining Permits

FREEHOLD, NJ – As stay-at-home orders begin to lift, local foodies will soon be able to get their fix at restaurants offering outdoor service starting June 15. In order to simplify the application process for seasonal dining permits, the Freehold Township Committee recently passed a resolution to streamline the process and help small businesses get up and running.

The resolution, introduced by committeeman Anthony J. Ammiano, was passed on May 26 in anticipation of relaxed statewide restrictions. A week later, Governor Phil Murphy signed a June 3 executive order allowing bars and restaurants to offer seating in parks, parking lots and streets. The executive order will also allow for special permission to be granted to licensed establishments to serve alcohol in outdoor dining areas.

“The Township of Freehold recognizes that restaurants and businesses are critical to the vibrancy of Freehold Township,” the resolution reads. “To ensure that our local restaurants remain successful the Township Committee desires to provide opportunities to quickly and easily expand to outdoor dining space to promote compliance with the Governor's orders”.

The consolidated application will also include an approval process from a Zoning Officer in order to ensure that outdoor dining areas are consistent with local laws and public safety.

“It is anticipated that restaurants would be required to follow social distancing guidelines,” the resolution reads, “including ensuring that patrons remain appropriate distances while dining, limiting restaurant capacity to a certain percentage of allowable patrons, [and] allowing outdoor dining among other possible changes in operations”.

To view the entire resolution, click here.