Changes Could Come to Outdoor Dining Rules in Hoboken

The city may soon allow restaurants, bars and coffeeshops to offer outdoor seating year round. 

Two separate council members are proposing the changes—Fourth Ward Councilman Tim Occhipinti and Sixth Ward Councilwoman Jennifer Giattino—in two separate ordinances. 

While their ordinances differ slightly, both agree on the main idea: allow restaurants and bars to provide outdoor seating all year round. 

If approved, the pricing will also change. Rather than pay depending on how many seats, establishments will pay a fixed rate for the whole year of $2 per square foot.

The arrangement will especially come in handy on those unseasonably hot fall or spring days, when outdoor seating isn't yet allowed.

"Come April everyone is dying to sit outside," said Giattino.

Sitting outside during the winter months will not be very comfortable, because the restaurants won't be allowed to use heaters. 

"Hoboken residents will be able to get served on a nice day," said Occhipinti. 

Whereas Giattino said she doesn't think smoking should be allowed on the outdoor cafes, Occhipinti didn't stipulate that rule in his version, saying it's up to individual landlords and restaurant owners. Smoking inside remains prohibited under state law. 

Even if the hospitality industry wants to leave things as is, Occhipinti said, there should still be a new ordinance passed that "specifies the rules." 

The issue will be discussed and voted on during the Sept. 5 council meeting.