[REVISION HISTORY]

New York City year-round outdoor dining legislation

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What changed

2026-08-31 22:34 UTC → 2026-08-31 23:55 UTC · added ~~removed~~

The New York City Council passed legislation to restore year-round outdoor dining across the five boroughs, reversing a 2023 policy that restricted roadside setups to a seasonal schedule from April to November. The new measures allow restaurants to keep sidewalk and roadside setups open 365 days a year, providing options to enclose structures with vertical coverings during winter months and allowing business owners to pay dining fees in quarterly installments. Mayor Zohran Mamdani ~~subsequently~~ signed the ~~legislation~~ legislation, known as Intro. 0655 and sponsored by City Council Member Lincoln Restler, into law, making roadway dining a permanent option. To facilitate the transition, the Department of Transportation will establish rules for winterizing setups to protect against snow and low temperatures. Officials noted the change aims to mitigate high costs associated with the annual removal and storage of equipment, which contributed to a decline in participating businesses from nearly 12,000 during the pandemic to fewer than 1,600 this spring. The new regulations, expected to take effect this fall, also include a new curfew requiring roadway cafes to close by 11 p.m. rather than midnight to reduce noise for local residents. Additionally, businesses must ensure their outdoor spaces remain clear of trash, graffiti, and vermin.

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