Haddonfield Welcomes Outdoor Dining Rules Extension

HADDONFIELD, NJ — Gov. Murphy's recent decision to extend for two more years the outdoor dining rules implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic was applauded by a Haddonfield business owner and the borough's mayor.

The extension contains language that allows "the installation and continuous use of tents, canopies, umbrellas, tables, chairs and other fixtures on private property or public property or right of way designated by a municipality ... shall be a permitted use [for dining]" so long as these items comply with "all applicable provisions of the State Uniform Construction Code."

Bob Hochgertel, owner of Kings Road Brewing in Haddonfield which has an outdoor area, said the Governor allowing the extension would have a positive and "huge" impact on his business.

"Even when indoor seating returned, outdoor seating remained the preference [among customers], while increasing our aggregate capacity and reducing customer wait times," he told Patch.

Hochgertel added, "not only was it good for business, it accounted for a larger part of our gross revenue than we ever expected. So much so, that even with the extended dining rules, we are working toward buying the property where we have our beer garden with plans to build a permanent outdoor space."

Another Haddonfield resident lauding the Governor's extension decision was the borough's mayor, Colleen Bianco Bezich.

"As a community that is centered around our walkable downtown and public transit, we will absolutely gain from this legislation, from brunches and lunches to date nights and family dinners," she said in an interview.

The extension will allow the outdoor dining rules implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic to remain in effect until Nov. 30, 2024, according to the bill.

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