Winter Storm Could Force Removal Of NYC Outdoor Dining Spaces

NEW YORK CITY — Whether ramshackle or resilient, parts of outdoor dining structures that popped up over New York City could temporarily go down this week.

Restaurateurs will have to “remove or consolidate structures, including barriers, to take up as little space as possible” if the snowfall forecast for an upcoming winter storm hits 12 inches or more, according to a Department of Sanitation advisory issued Sunday.

The winter storm in question is expected to hit the city starting Wednesday and drop between 6 and 12 inches of snow.

“Right now, it is on the bubble and I would not urge anyone to act yet till we get more clarity,” he said.

Monday was the first day a newly-imposed indoor dining shutdown descended over the city amid an unabated coronavirus surge.

Restaurant owners and industry advocates have warned the shutdown could deal a death blow to struggling eateries, which have struggled in the pandemic even with the widespread adoption of outdoor dining.

The sanitation advisory issued Sunday informed restaurants that city crews are preparing to clear snow from streets.

“The Department will issue a Snow Alert when an inch or more of snow or ice is in the forecast, the advisory states. “During a Snow Alert, roadway dining MUST CLOSE by the time indicated in the Alert. Furniture should be removed or secured, and electric heaters should be removed. Remove the tops of structures if possible.”

The advisory continued: “If the forecast calls for 12 (inches) of snow or more, remove or consolidate structures, including barriers, to take up as little space as possible. This makes plowing easier and protects property. The City will announce when the Snow Alert is over and roadway dining may safely resume.”