Gov. Ned Lamont on Wednesday signed into law a 13-month extension of the rules on outdoor dining for the state’s restaurants.
Pandemic restrictions prompted the initial legislation in early 2020 to allow businesses to serve diners by expanding their outdoor footprints regardless of local zoning rules. That law was due to expire on Thursday.
“So many restaurants are locally owned, small businesses, and this is one way we can help in their economic recovery,” Lamont said.
The extension was supported by the Connecticut Restaurant Association, as well as the Connecticut Council of Small Towns and the Connecticut Conference of Municipalities.
Scott Dolch, president and CEO of the Connecticut Restaurant Association, said, “This is a timely and much-needed measure that will help local restaurants as they continue to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.”
