East Greenwich Restaurant Reopening Guidelines

EAST GREENWICH, RI — East Greenwich has posted guidelines for restaurants that would like to expand outdoor season temporarily to be able to reopen to in-person dining when the state's restriction is lifted on May 18.

Gov. Gina Raimondo gave the go-ahead of outdoor dining this week as a way to increase restaurants' business amid the coronavirus health emergency. Beer, wine and prepacked mixed drink service is available for outdoor dining and to-go orders, but indoor dining and bar service remains prohibited in phase 1 of the state's reopening.

The East Greenwich guidelines are designed to allow expansion to sidewalks, parking areas or other open areas on the site. In order to support businesses, the town said it intends to expedite review of applications on a case-by-case basis.

An application for modified outdoor seating is required.

There will be no fees for these reviews and town staff will make every effort to complete required reviews within 48 hours of submission.

No outdoor keeping or storage of food or beverages to be served is permitted. No garbage shall be placed or stored on a sidewalk and th er e shall be no open keeping or storage of used dishes, utensils or food scraps outdoors. Doors from the restaurant to the outdoor seating area must be self-closing. Sidewalk and other outdoor dining furnishings must be moveable — tables, chairs and other accessories cannot be affixed to the ground.

The outdoor seating area must be accessible to the disabled, and the licensee must at all times comply with all applicable federal, state and town laws, ordinances and regulations concerning accessibility and non-discrimination in the providing of services. The outdoor seating area cannot obstruct any fire exit, fire escape, or other required ingress or egress.

Sidewalk dining temporary outdoor restaurant seating expansions are available only to restaurant businesses that currently hold a valid food license and alcohol license. For temporary sidewalk or other expanded outdoor seating within a public right of way, the following is required: proof of liability insurance, per local executive order, a signed agreement from the town and a plan for seat configuration.

Those businesses seeking a tent must seek a separate tent permit and conform to all guidelines.

Additional information and requirements can be found here.