Let Restaurants Use Propane Heaters For Outdoor Dining: Adams

NEW YORK CITY — Mayor-elect Eric Adams turned up the heat on his soon-to-be predecessor to reverse a recent ban on propane heaters for New York City restaurants' outdoor dining setups.

Adams and Council Member Keith Powers urged the change in an open letter to Mayor Bill de Blasio this week.

Many diners still feel uncomfortable with eating indoors and restaurants continue to struggle financially, they wrote.

"According to the New York City Fire Department (FDNY) there were no fires or injuries last winter from propane heater use, and the majority of restaurants operated the heaters safely and in compliance with the regulations," they wrote. "For these reasons, we ask you to reconsider your decision to reinstate the ban on propane heaters for another year in addition to your welcomed announcement of $5,000 grants to businesses to convert to natural gas and/or electric heating options."

Restaurateurs came to rely on outdoor heaters of all types last winter as coronavirus restrictions kept diners from eating indoors.

Many of them considered propane heaters to be the best option for keeping diners toasty, and they nervously awaited word for de Blasio's administration to allow them again this year.

But de Blasio ended up following advice from FDNY officials, who warned propane heaters carried inherent fire risks.

"The fire department feels strongly, and I agree with them, propane needs to be phased out," de Blasio said in October, after he reinstated the heater ban.

The letter from Adams and Powers could rekindle hopes for propane heaters as colder weather hits New York City.

Adams, though allied politically with de Blasio, hasn't been afraid of distancing himself from the lame-duck mayor's positions. His support for propane heaters indicates that even if de Blasio doesn't lift the ban, it'll be gone when he leaves office in roughly six weeks.

Powers, a prominent Manhattan-based Council member, said restaurants need support during the winter months.

"For the past year and a half, propane heaters have let NYers safely dine while allowing restaurants to take in needed revenue," Powers tweeted.

"With winter around the corner and COVID-19 still spreading, we cannot take them away now."

For the past year and a half, propane heaters have let NYers safely dine while allowing restaurants to take in needed revenue.

With winter around the corner and COVID-19 still spreading, we cannot take them away now.

Our letter: pic.twitter.com/MLlE7UhFqO
— Keith Powers (@KeithPowersNYC) November 18, 2021