Good news for those who enjoy dining alfresco: pandemic-era “streeteries” are set to become permanent restaurant features pending a vote in the Pennsylvania House.
Outdoor extensions of restaurants popped up as COVID restrictions took over. They were born of necessity but have remained popular in Philadelphia and other cities once restrictions were lifted. The dining permits that allowed these streeteries were set to expire at the end of this year. But a bill currently going through the legislature is set to change that.
Senator Lisa M. Boscola (D-Northampton) recognizes the importance of these outdoor dining options, which extended a lifeline to restaurants during the pandemic and continue to be a boost as restaurants recover. She is currently championing House Bill 829, which makes the outdoor dining area exception permanent by allowing restaurants to expand from 400 to 1,000 square feet. She’s also updated the bill to include changes to the liquor code that allows for the extension of happy hour from 14 hours a week to 24.
The bill has passed the Senate and is headed back to the House. It is expected to pass the House, after which it would be signed by the Governor and implemented within a week or so.