Business & Tech
Salem To Distribute Outdoor Heaters To Local Businesses
In an effort to extend the patio dining season amid the coronavirus crisis, the city is purchasing heaters and giving them to restaurants.
SALEM, MA — Salem is doing its best to extend the outdoor dining season as long as possible during the coronavirus health crisis.
As temperatures dip, with the first snow of the season possible on Friday, the city is preparing to deliver 20 outdoor heaters to eight restaurants so they can keep serving guests on their patios into November, and perhaps beyond.
Salem City Solicitor Beth Rennard said heaters are being distributed this week to Dube's Seafood Restaurant, Tin Whistle, Bertini's, Iaho, Notch Brewing, Blue Fez, Thai Place and Fountain Place.
Find out what's happening in Salemfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Rennard said restaurants that purchase their own heaters are eligible to be reimbursed from the city for the cost up to four of them.
Restaurants must obtain permits from the Salem Fire Department to install the heaters and they cannot be used under tent seating.
Find out what's happening in Salemfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Salem Mayor Kim Driscoll said she has been told the city has a "European" feel with its expansion of outdoor cafes and restaurants amid the pandemic, and has pledged to help restaurants that lost revenue in October as the city told potential tourists to stay away out of fears of overcrowding around Halloween amid the pandemic.
"They understand we're in it for the long haul," Driscoll said of downtown business owners last week. "It's not just about October. It's about November, December and January. We don't want to do anything (leading up to Halloween) that means we have to shut down completely."
Driscoll said at a news conference with Gov. Charlie Baker last week, which outlined additional Halloween weekend restrictions, that while many businesses have had a "pretty good month" with the crowds that have shown up during October, motel and lodging taxes are off about 55 percent, and meals taxes off 30 percent, due to reduced capacity.
"We don't want to see October happen and then see a spike in our community," Driscoll said.
More Patch Coverage: Salem Downtown To Shut Down Early This Halloween
Salem Walking Tour Guides Take Big Hit This Halloween Season
Salem To Restrict Pedestrian Mall Amid 'Super Frustrating' Crowds
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