RI Lawmakers Propose Happy Hour, Outdoor Dining Protections

PROVIDENCE, RI — Several Rhode Island lawmakers are calling for changes to rules surrounding restaurants in the state. A pair of bills would facilitate the continuation of outdoor dining, while the other would allow for happy hours.

The first bill, sponsored by Sen. Alana DiMario, would extend restaurants' ability to offer outdoor dining, a preferred practice during the coronavirus pandemic. The legislation would extend the moratorium on enforcing municipal ordinances or zoning requirements.

The bill would extend the protections offered by a previous bill, signed into law by Gov. Dan McKee in July, that is set to expire in April. DiMario's bill would extend the moratorium another year to April 2023.

"This bill is essential to our restaurants and bars who are still struggling to recover from the effects of the pandemic," DiMario said. "The legislation will also allow these establishments to apply to make these successful and popular changes permanent, such as the outdoor dining areas and takeout windows. Municipalities have given the feedback that they have not had enough time to get temporary zoning changes through their appropriate channels to make them permanent and that this extension is welcome."

Under the second bill, restaurants would be allowed to offer "happy hour" specials on alcohol served alongside food. The allowance would apply to breakfast, lunch or dinner — everything except snacks.

"These bills are about helping small businesses in our hospitality industry have more flexibility and tools to use to help sustain them through the pandemic and beyond, and also to help employees to increase their take-home pay with increased options to bring in customers," DiMario continued. "In addition, it allows people to have more options to connect and gather as we continue to navigate the pandemic conditions."