Princeton To Discuss Relaxing Outdoor Dining Restrictions

PRINCETON, NJ — A public hearing will be held on Monday on an ordinance to ease restrictions on businesses that are trying to adapt amid the coronavirus.

The ordinance will help with businesses reopening so that the council won't need to pass ordinances for curbside pickup zones, sidewalk dining, closing streets, or anything related to business reopening, Mayor Liz Lempert said.

"Princeton’s staff and officials need to be in a position to react quickly to evolving circumstances; and in recognition of the unprecedented challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Mayor and Council find that it is the best interests of Princeton’s residents and business owners to temporarily relax or suspend certain requirements presently set forth in Princeton’s ordinances, and to establish a more streamlined process by which staff and officials can react and addresses issues as they arise," the ordinance states.

Specifically the ordinance addresses:

• Sidewalk cafes
• Outdoor dining areas other than sidewalk cafes and other expansions of retail food establishments
• Sidewalks, streets, parking, and loading zones
• Unattended vehicles in designated curbside pick-up areas prohibited

The ordinance was introduced at the June 1 council meeting. The public will have a chance to weigh in on the ordinance on June 15 before council members vote.

Gov. Phil Murphy is allowing outdoor dining to resume on June 15 following the coronavirus closure. New Jersey also issued rules and guidance for outdoor dining. Read More: Here's What To Do At NJ Bars, Restaurants Under Coronavirus Rules

Some of those rules include tables are going to have to be six feet apart, tables have to be outside, buffet and salad bars will be gone, only takeout will be offered if the weather gets bad, and employees at the bars and restaurants will have to wear masks.

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

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