Manhattan Beach Mayor Asks LA County To Stop Outdoor Dining Ban

MANHATTAN BEACH, CA — Mayor Richard Montgomery sent a letter addressed to the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors and Dr. Barbara Ferrer this morning [Tuesday, Nov. 22] voicing the City of Manhattan Beach's opposition to the county's pending ban on outdoor dining. The ban, announced Sunday by Dr. Ferrer, is due to be discussed at the currently live online board meeting.

In the letter, Mayor Montgomery writes, "The proposed modifications will devastate businesses,... ." He also reports that "restaurants have made extraordinary investments in health and safety measures such as installing outdoor dining improvements and purchasing personal protective equipment to comply with all the Health Officer Orders." He told Manhattan Beach Patch that as mayor he had the authority to send the letter since he didn't expect any dissenting council member opinions.

Manhattan Beach Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Kelly Stroman, who wrote LA County Supervisor Janice Hahn asking her to oppose the ban, told Manhattan Beach Patch yesterday of the outdoor dining ban, "The move to 'take-out only' is once again a massive setback to the entire economy. When one sector is closed down, it directly affects the others. The pre-Thanksgiving timing is very precarious for all restaurants that are already fully stocked with meal preparations; albeit take-out, cook-at-home kits, or outdoor dining reservations. The latest order by the Department of Public Health will further devastate local businesses, families, employees, and the mental health and well-being of so many. Some restaurants will close temporarily, as it is not equitable to remain open under a take-out only model. It is likely, that some will never be able to reopen."

She went on to express the many facets of the restaurant industry. "Many restaurant employees will face unemployment again," said Stroman. "Businesses have invested thousands, if not tens of thousands, of dollars to ensure safety for their employees and customers and to create safe friendly outdoor dining spaces. To be singled out for the recent surge [of positive COVID-19 tests in LA County], they have done everything in their power to prevent, is unconscionable. I hope the LA County Department of Health reconsiders the decision."

Stroman also advised the community how they could help support Manhattan Beach restaurants. "We encourage families to consider ordering take-out as often and as robustly as possible. Purchase gift cards as gifts — they can be used at a later date. Be kind and creative with giving. Give the gift of a meal, and keep those that make the meals employed so they too can feed their families."