Four City Restaurants to Offer Outdoor Dining

Portsmouth area residents who have enjoyed dining al fresco will soon be able to enjoy outdoor dining at four city restaurants again.

After receiving the City Council's blessing earlier this month, Surf, Ri Ra, Popovers on the Square and State Street Saloon will offer outdoor dining once again. The council will accept written applications for the city's two remaining outdoor dining slots until May 1.

According to the city's outdoor dining policy, licenses are granted on an annual basis for a six-month period from mid-April through mid-October. The city will charge businesses a $10 per square foot fee for the area used for outdoor dining and the minimum fee would be $2,000, even if the size of the area is less than 200 square feet.

In Market Square, the policy states the minimum width for the pedestrian way adjacent to the area shall be 10- to 12- feet depending on the site conditions. In all other areas where sidewalk cafes are allowed, the minimum width for pedestrian ways adjacent to the area shall be a minimum of 5 feet and meet federal Americans with Disabilities Act guidelines. The policy also calls for no smoking and no outdoor music.