Outdoor Dining In Wayne Could Be Here To Stay; Township Brings It One Step Closer

WAYNE, NJ — Nearly two years ago, the Township Council relaxed outdoor-dining regulations to assist restaurants hampered by COVID-19 restrictions. But the changes that expanded outdoor dining within the township may be here to stay.

The council brought the possibility one step closer at Wednesday's meeting, voting unanimously to continue relaxing the township's pre-pandemic rules on outdoor dining until the end of 2022. Mayor Christopher P. Vergano's administration intends to give the council another ordinance by the end of the year to make the setup permanent.

"This ordinance allows the outdoor dining to continue until the end of the calendar year, which I think is important," Vergano said. "In case the state changes the regulations, it gives me the authority to allow outdoor dining until the end of the year."

Two years ago, many cities and towns throughout New Jersey loosened their outdoor-dining regulations for restaurants out of necessity for the industry. Following New Jersey's initial coronavirus state of emergency in March 2020, restaurants couldn't accommodate outdoor diners until the following June. Indoor dining of any capacity remained prohibited until September 2020.

Wayne's council voted in July 2020 to change the township's code to facilitate more outdoor seating for restaurants. Although New Jersey's COVID protocols have largely ended since, the expansion of outdoor dining throughout the Garden State may be here to stay.

"I’m all for this," said Ward 2 Council Member Al Sadowski. "I think a lot of residents in Wayne really do like the outdoor dining that we’ve had during COVID. And it’s nice to see us being proactive."

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