Great Neck Plaza Outlines New Restrictions For Outdoor Dining

GREAT NECK PLAZA, NY — Officials in Great Neck Plaza outlined new restrictions this week for outdoor restaurant dining as Long Island begins the second phase of reopening businesses in the coronavirus era.

Outdoor dining began across Long Island on Wednesday with some restrictions. In Great Neck Plaza, get used to wearing a mask — all staff must cover their faces and customers must do the same when they aren't seated, officials said.

"We want to prevent the spread of COVID-19, so if you plan on going out to eat, bring a mask or face covering with you," the village said in a newsletter.

Social distancing steps must be taken, including keeping outdoor restaurant tables at least 6 feet apart and on the sidewalk. Patrons who are dining outside will not be allowed inside the restaurant.

Furthermore, all outside tables and chairs must be removed every night by 11 p.m. and stored inside the restaurant premises until at least 11 a.m. the following day.

Additionally, the village created a no-fee, temporary outdoor dining permit that will be valid for up to six months.

"It's a new program aimed at assisting our restaurants in reopening and utilizing outdoor areas during the warmer months, on municipal streets, sidewalks and other outdoor areas," the village said in a newsletter. "We have faced difficult times during the last three months and we want these businesses to come back, and come back stronger."