Wayne Council To Review Outdoor Dining Regulations

WAYNE, NJ — Proposed ordinances for the Wednesday Wayne Township Council meeting now include a measure that would pave the way for outdoor dining service to begin at local restaurants.

The ordinance, which will be voted on during the meeting, is an amendment and supplement to Chapter 149 of the Township Code, which deals with retail food establishments.

If passed, restaurants could be issued a special event permit for outdoor cafés, applicable during "an event in which certain waivers are extended to eligible establishments in order to accommodate an Executive Order which is put in place due to unforeseen circumstances which are beyond the control of the Township."

The permit could be issued to any licensed retail food establishment for the use of owned outdoor public spaces if there is a declared public health emergency or state of emergency, or the mayor authorizes the move himself, according to the proposed ordinance.

Restaurants must file an application for the special permit with the township clerk, and must follow these rules:

• Proposed start and end date of outdoor dining
• Written approval of the event from the owner of the space
• Tables must be placed six-feet apart

Prior to the issuance of the permit, a layout plan for outdoor dining will be reviewed by the township planner, health officer and construction official, all of whom can deny, approve or recommend changes to the township clerk.

Outdoor dining setups must be set back from residential properties by at least 100-feet, and any outdoor seating near vehicular circulation must provide protections for diners.

The council meeting is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 17.