Outdoor Dining Rules Set During COVID Extended At Least 2 Years In NJ

NEW JERSEY — Democrats and Republicans in Trenton can certainly agree on one thing: outdoor dining is nice to have around. The pandemic regulations that made it easier for restaurants to set up outdoor seating will now last through November 2024.

Outdoor dining exploded by necessity in summer 2020, since Gov. Phil Murphy didn't allow people to eat inside restaurants at all until the following September because of early-pandemic protocols. Murphy signed a bill in February 2021 that allowed cities and towns to enable the expansion of outdoor dining. The bill came after many local governments took similar steps to expand the outdoor presence of restaurants.

Under that law, the loosened regulations were set to expire Nov. 30. But a bill to extend the protocols received unanimous support in the State Senate and Assembly. Murphy signed the bill Wednesday into law. See the new law here.

"Supporting the success of our small businesses ultimately means supporting the success of our communities," Murphy said. "Continuing this successful practice will not only benefit small business owners, but also the many patrons who have come to enjoy the atmosphere and opportunities outdoor dining offers."

The law continues expanded permissions for restaurants, bars, distilleries and breweries to use fixtures and equipment that allow them to serve patrons in outdoor private areas, municipally designated outdoor areas and on sidewalks.

The New Jersey Restaurant & Hospitality Association, an industry group, expressed support for the new law.

"We applaud our restaurants’ ability pivot and adapt to the everchanging climate over the last two years of shutdowns and guest capacity limits," the NJRHA wrote on social media, "and we’d like to thank our residents and visitors for supporting the industry!"