New York City, November 25, 2025
Lawmakers and business leaders in New York City are pushing for the reinstatement of a year-round outdoor dining program to support local restaurants and enhance the city’s vibrancy. Current regulations limit outdoor dining to April through November, leading to significant participation declines. The proposed legislation would allow restaurants to maintain their outdoor setups year-round, alleviating the financial burdens of seasonal dismantling and storage. Support from various stakeholders highlights the potential economic recovery benefits for small businesses.
New York City Lawmakers and Business Leaders Advocate for Year-Round Outdoor Dining
New York City lawmakers and business leaders are intensifying efforts to reinstate the city’s year-round roadway outdoor dining program. This initiative aims to support local restaurants and enhance the city’s vibrancy by allowing outdoor dining throughout the year.
Current Program Limitations
Under the existing Dining Out NYC program, outdoor dining is permitted on roadways from April through November. During the winter months, establishments are required to dismantle and store their outdoor setups, a process that many find financially and logistically burdensome. This seasonal restriction has led to a significant decline in participation, with some reports indicating a 90% drop compared to the peak of the program.
Advocacy for Change
In response to these challenges, Assemblymember Tony Simone introduced legislation to allow restaurants to maintain their outdoor dining structures year-round. This proposal has garnered support from various stakeholders, including Councilmember Lincoln Restler, who emphasized the importance of a sustainable and accessible outdoor dining program for small businesses.
Community Support and Legislative Action
Nonprofit organizations such as Open Plans and the NYC Hospitality Alliance have been actively advocating for the expansion of the outdoor dining program. They argue that a year-round option would alleviate the financial strain on small businesses and contribute to the city’s economic recovery. The proposed legislation is currently under review, with hopes for swift implementation to benefit both businesses and the community.
Background Context
The outdoor dining program was initially introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic to help restaurants comply with social distancing measures and continue operations. Its success led to the establishment of the permanent Dining Out NYC program. However, the seasonal limitations and associated costs have posed significant challenges for many establishments, prompting calls for reform to ensure the program’s sustainability and inclusivity.
Looking Ahead
As discussions continue, stakeholders remain optimistic that legislative changes will lead to a more inclusive and sustainable outdoor dining program, benefiting both the restaurant industry and New York City’s residents.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the current status of the Dining Out NYC program?
The Dining Out NYC program currently permits outdoor dining on roadways from April through November. During the winter months, establishments are required to dismantle and store their outdoor setups, leading to a significant decline in participation.
Who introduced the legislation for year-round outdoor dining?
Assemblymember Tony Simone introduced legislation to allow restaurants to maintain their outdoor dining structures year-round.
Which organizations are advocating for the expansion of the outdoor dining program?
Nonprofit organizations such as Open Plans and the NYC Hospitality Alliance are actively advocating for the expansion of the outdoor dining program.
What challenges have restaurants faced under the current program?
Restaurants have faced challenges due to the seasonal limitations and associated costs of dismantling and storing outdoor setups during the winter months, leading to a significant decline in participation.
What is the expected impact of the proposed legislation?
The proposed legislation aims to alleviate the financial strain on small businesses and contribute to the city’s economic recovery by allowing year-round outdoor dining.
Key Features of the Proposed Year-Round Outdoor Dining Program
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Year-Round Operation | Allowing restaurants to maintain outdoor dining structures throughout the year, eliminating seasonal dismantling and storage requirements. |
| Support for Small Businesses | Reducing financial and logistical burdens on small businesses, encouraging greater participation in the program. |
| Economic Recovery | Contributing to the city’s economic recovery by enhancing the vibrancy of neighborhoods and supporting the restaurant industry. |
| Community Engagement | Involving various stakeholders, including lawmakers, business leaders, and nonprofit organizations, in advocating for the program’s expansion. |
| Legislative Process | Ongoing discussions and reviews of the proposed legislation, with hopes for swift implementation to benefit both businesses and the community. |
Now Happening on X
- @LincolnRestler (November 24, 2025): It’s time to bring back year-round outdoor dining, with our legislation helping thousands of additional restaurants offer outdoor dining once again, as discussed in today’s City Council hearing. View on X
- @BKBPReynoso (November 24, 2025): Outdoor dining has become a beloved part of New York City’s landscape, but it’s too costly and inaccessible; passing Intro. 1421 will make it permanent and affordable again. View on X
- @erinmdurkin (November 24, 2025): As restaurants tear down their outdoor dining structures for the winter, the City Council took up legislation that could make this the last year businesses are forced to carry out the costly ritual. View on X
- @NYCCouncil (November 24, 2025): The NYCCouncil is holding a hearing this morning on legislation that would restore year-round outdoor dining in NYC. View on X
- @Gothamist (November 24, 2025): NYC lawmakers and businesses plan to rally for year-round outdoor dining. View on X
- @KeithPowersNYC (November 24, 2025): The current outdoor dining system requiring restaurants to tear down sheds in winter is unsustainable, with over 80% of restaurants no longer participating; let’s make it year-round. View on X
- @JulieMenin (November 24, 2025): Outdoor dining is a win-win for customers and small businesses; today we chaired a hearing on its future and related legislation. View on X
- @tonysimone (November 24, 2025): No one wants old, gross outdoor dining sheds back, but the city has nearly killed the program; I support bills to save outdoor dining and allow it year-round responsibly. View on X
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