Summit Council Approves Outdoor Dining, Retail Rules

SUMMIT, NJ — The Summit Common Council voted Tuesday to approve six resolutions to help reopen local businesses, in line with state guidelines and restrictions. Retailers and eateries can apply to expand onto the sidewalk, and the city and Summit Downtown Inc. will place tables and chairs for outdoor seating in the Bank Street lot, Promenade Park, and Lyric Park.

To expand outdoor seating, restaurants may apply to use adjacent sidewalk space if the property owner agrees. Restaurants may also apply to use their parking lots for outdoor dining or request placement of a parklet by the city in the parking spaces directly in front of their location.

Are you a restaurant owner who plans to offer outdoor dining next week? Click here to be included in a Patch roundup.

Due to changes in the alcohol board rules, restaurants can expand liquor licenses to include outdoor dining areas.

The Bank Street parking lot will be closed to vehicle parking.

The state has allowed outdoor dining starting Monday, in addition to the already existing curbside pickup and delivery.

In addition, fitness and exercise businesses may coordinate with the Department of Community Programs to use city parks and athletic fields for exercise instruction, a city spokesperson said.

“Common Council, city staff and I worked closely with Summit Downtown Inc. and more than 30 local business owners to understand the needs of retail and fitness businesses and restaurants, and develop options for them to successfully reopen with current New Jersey state restrictions in place,” said Summit Mayor Nora Radest. “We are providing a much-needed boost to our local economy at a time when our business owners need it most.”

For more reopening information, click here.

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