Stafford Eases Process For Restaurants To Get Outdoor Seating

MANAHAWKIN, NJ — Stafford Township officials signed an emergency order to make it easier for restaurants to develop outdoor seating during the coronavirus crisis. The order order prepares for when Governor Phil Murphy allows dine-in service at limited capacity — a date which state officials have not determined.

The order would simplify the process for restaurants looking to develop outdoor seating. Eateries would normally need to go before the Zoning or Planning Board to make those changes, Myhre said in a video with Police Chief Thomas Dellane.

"In anticipation of relaxation of those orders, we heard that indoor seating may not even be available," said Mayor Gregory E. Myhre. "Or if it is, it may be limited capacity — maybe 25 to 50 percent."

Stage 2 of the state's economic restart plan would allow for more activities with safeguards and modifications, such as outdoor dining.

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That means many restaurants would have the opportunity to provide some seating in their parking lots or on sidewalks. Stafford would return to its former application process for additional seating after the coronavirus emergency.

Murphy said Thursday he wants more data before moving New Jersey into Stage 2. The governor had set a goal of 20,000 tests per day by the end of May, a goal that was met last week. By meeting that goal, New Jersey could find itself moving to stage two as early as this week. Read more: When Will NJ Hit Stage 2 Reopening? It's All About The Testing

The Ocean County Health Department has reported 237 coronavirus cases in Stafford and 238 in Barnegat as of noon Friday. The virus has killed 23 people in Stafford and 11 in Barnegat, according to officials.

Watch Myhre and Dellane explain the emergency order below:

Read more: NJ Coronavirus Updates: Here's What You Need To Know

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