Santa Monica Waives Fees For Outdoor Dining Program

SANTA MONICA, CA — As businesses pushed to survive the pandemic, Santa Monica this week decided to continue its outdoor dining program and waive fees for local restaurants and cafes.

Temporary use permits for outdoor dining and retail activations, including sidewalk dining, parklets, and the Promenade satellite, will be waived through June 2022, according to the city.

“The outdoor dining program has been a lifesaver for our entire community during this pandemic, and we are eager to extend the program,” Mayor Sue Himmelrich said in a statement.

“For small businesses, workers, and residents, outdoor operations have meant businesses can stay open and employees can keep working while creating new and creative spaces for our entire community to enjoy a moment of delight and normalcy," Himmelrich said.

This program has an estimated value to businesses of at least $1.4 million and has supported our entire community—businesses, workers, and residents—through the devastating effects of COVID-19 by creating safe and fun outdoor spaces for everyone to enjoy, according to the city.

More than 170 Santa Monica businesses have participated in the program, and the Santa Monica community has shared its overwhelming support, with more than 96% of Santa Monicans wanting to eat and shop outside, and 79% of businesses reporting that parklets have increased their sales.

Businesses can "temporarily use public right-of-way including sidewalks, on-street parking spaces where appropriate, portions of the Pier and Third Street Promenade, and private outdoor space for business activity," according to the city.

In Manhattan Beach, the city has opted to stop the outdoor dining program by Jan. 3, surprising restaurant owners and residents.

Here's a full list from the city on where to dine outdoors.

Patch Asks: What's your favorite outdoor dining location in Santa Monica?

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