Higher Fees For Sidewalk Cafes Introduced By Morristown Council

MORRISTOWN, NJ — When the COVID-19 pandemic was at its worst, Morristown increased the number of outdoor dining options available by utilizing sidewalk cafés as restaurant extensions.

With the lifting of the pandemic restrictions, the Morristown Council introduced an ordinance to alter the cherished sidewalk café program, and as a result, the cost of dining outside is increasing for business owners.

The ordinance, which was introduced by the council on Tuesday night, proposes a fee increase for these establishments ranging from $250 to $1,000, depending on the number of seats and the status of their alcohol.

Since the beginning of the pandemic, Morristown restaurants and bars have paid $250 for sidewalk café licenses, which allow them to serve their products while adhering to COVID-19 restrictions.

If the council passes the new ordinance next month, that figure is set to rise substantially for some.

According to town Clerk Margot Kaye, the township took inspiration on this ordinance from the neighboring town of Summit after speaking with their town clerk. "I took Summit's ordinance and I just multiplied it in even figures up."

Council member Stefan Armington commented on the increase, asking Kaye to explain why the structured increase was necessary for Morristown on an administrative level.

"The thought process behind it is, sidewalk cafés do require quite a bit of administrative time. The review process goes through various departments for approval. There tend to be a lot of inspections and followup because sometimes people set up the cafés, not realizing that they need that, so there is a lot of time and effort that goes in," Kaye said.

Under the ordinance, the fee structure will change to look like this:

For places without a liquor license

• One to 10 seats: $250
• 11 to 25 seats: $375
• 26 to 50 seats: $500
• More than 50 seats: $625

For establishments with liquor licenses

• One to 10 seats: $250
• 11 to 25 seats: $500
• 26 to 50 seats: $750
• Over 50 seats: $1,000

"My thinking was that you have an ice cream store that has four seats out front and then you have a big booming restaurant with a liquor license paying the same $250 and I just kind of feel for the little guys," Kaye said.

"Some of these large cafés have a lot of seating, so I think it's reasonable to have a sliding scale," Town Administrator Jillian Barrick added.

The ordinance was introduced by the council with a 5-0 vote and will be heard by the public at the next council meeting, which is scheduled for Feb. 14.