Mendham Al Fresco: Borough OKs Outdoor Dining Ordinance

MENDHAM, N.J. – The weather is perfect and the atmosphere is wonderful. Wouldn’t it be great to be able to dine al fresco?

In Mendham Borough, thanks to an approved ordinance this week, diners will be able to do just that at restaurants in town who decide to participate in the new practice.

The ordinance, approved by the Borough’s Council Monday night, will allow businesses in town to apply for outdoor dining capabilities in the Historic Business Zone (defined as the downtown area surrounding the intersection of Main Street and Hilltop/Mountain Avenue), and the East Business Zone (defined as the retail space in and around the Village Shopping Center).

Restaurants looking to apply for an outdoor dining permit with the Borough’s Zoning Board will pay an annual fee. Restaurants with liquor licenses will be charged $500; bring your own bottle restaurants will be charged $250; and restaurants with no alcohol permitted will be charged $100.

Outdoor dining will be limited to the dates between April 1 and Oct. 31 each year, and 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.

What do you think, Mendham? Is this good for the town? Tell us in the comments.