Cuomo Extends Relaxed Outdoor Dining Regulations for Another Year

Cuomo extends outdoor dining allowance throughout the state

Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed legislation on Wednesday extending the state’s popular outdoor dining program for another year. The legislation allows New York restaurants to easily set up tables and chairs on sidewalks and streets without a lengthy, high-cost permitting process to serve customers outdoors during the pandemic.

The governor’s actions underscore measures that have already been taken in NYC to bolster the city’s outdoor dining program. Mayor Bill de Blasio has already extended outdoor dining allowances through the city’s Open Streets and Open Restaurants legislation, and has voiced support for a permanent version of the program. However, the details of what a permanent program in NYC would actually look like, including potential fees and zoning regulation changes, are still being hashed out by city officials.

In other news

— Following in the footsteps of other local breweries, Brooklyn Brewery launches a line of fruity hard seltzers.

— Former delivery and takeout pop-up Evil Katsu is taking its sandos and katsu sets to a permanent location in the East Village.

— A popular Chinatown destination, Dim Sum Go Go, is expanding into another location also in the East Village, a couple blocks away from Evil Katsu’s new spot at 21 First Avenue, between 13th and 14th streets.

— Inside the making of FC Clark, a local soccer team fueled by buzzy Chinatown restaurant Dr. Clark.

— Queens Night Market is no longer requiring ticketed entry starting this Saturday, July 10, according to founder John Wang.

— Beloved Staten Island Sri Lankan restaurant New Asha is fundraising $18,500 to cover the costs of repairing the restaurant’s gas line after the company supplying gas recently shut it down.

— The Nostrand Avenue Associated Supermarket in Crown Heights will officially be returning to its old spot in the neighborhood, Brooklyn Paper reports. The grocery store appeared to be heading toward closing for good earlier this year, setting off fears of creating a food desert in the area and prompting demonstrations to save the supermarket.

— Worth the wait: