City Of Manhattan Beach: City Council Extends Outdoor Dining Program

Press release from the City of Manhattan Beach:

12/22/2021 2:55 PM

Manhattan Beach City Council Extends the Temporary Outdoor Dining Program December 22, 2021 (PDF)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

OFFICE OF COMMUNICATIONS:
Jessica Vincent, Communications and Civic Engagement Manager
jvincent@manhattanbeach.gov I (310) 802-5405

MANHATTAN BEACH CITY COUNCIL EXTENDS THE TEMPORARY OUTDOOR DINING PROGRAM

MANHATTAN BEACH CITY COUNCIL EXTENDS THE TEMPORARY OUTDOOR DINING PROGRAM

Manhattan Beach (December 22, 2021) – On Tuesday, the Manhattan Beach City Council unanimously voted to extend its temporary outdoor dining program through the duration of the State Emergency Order. The City Council also voted to increase its monthly fee from $1 to $3 per square foot for use of the temporary outdoor dining decks on the public street right-of-way. Additionally, the City Council directed staff to return in January 2022, to begin the discussion on exploring a long-term outdoor dining program.

Manhattan Beach (December 22, 2021)

“The safety of our community has always been our number one priority. In response to the rapidly changing increase in the spread of COVID-19 and its public health threats, it is appropriate to extend the outdoor dining program and continue providing a safer dining option for our community,” stated Mayor Hildy Stern.

Since its inception in June 2020, the program has provided a way for businesses to remain open with COVID-19 restrictions in place. Thirty restaurants transformed public parking spaces and other public right-of-way directly in front of their businesses into al fresco dining. Due in large part to the challenges such as the residential quality of life impacts that resulted from the program and the need for street repairs and storm drain upkeep, the program was set to end January 3, 2022. Pursuant to the City Council’s latest action, the program will now continue for the remainder of the State declared COVID-19 emergency in California. In addition, scheduled street maintenance and fees for sidewalk dining will be discussed at future City Council meetings.

In consideration of a potential long-term outdoor dining program, City staff will conduct extensive community outreach and study its impacts including, but not limited to, traffic, congestion, parking, sanitation, and noise, as well as charging a market-rate fee for the outdoor dining areas on public property.

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This press release was produced by the City of Manhattan Beach. The views expressed here are the author’s own.