NYC has established two programs to encourage and allow businesses to conduct operations outdoors in order to reduce crowding and slow the spread of COVID-19.

• The Open Restaurants program allows for outdoor restaurant service by permitting tables on the sidewalk and in the street with proper barriers.

• The Open Storefronts program allows ground-floor retail businesses to conduct business on the sidewalk outside of their establishment.

Each program requires a completed application and businesses must follow the specific guidelines set forth by the city.

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Mayor Bill de Blasio signed seven pieces of legislation providing relief for tenants, commercial establishments, and restaurants during the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

      The new laws support struggling small businesses by:

• Imposing limits that third-party food delivery services can charge restaurants to 15% per order for delivery and 5% per order for any other charge

• Extending the suspension of sidewalk cafe fee collection from restaurants to February 28, 2021

• Protecting commercial tenants that were subject to capacity restrictions, forced to close, or business owners who contracted COVID-19 from harassment and personal liability. 

• Suspending renewal requirements for licenses and permits from City agencies during the duration of the emergency and extends such suspension for an extra 45 days

 

For more details on this legislation click here.

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