Rhode Island Governor Signs Bill Extending Outdoor Dining

RHODE ISLAND — Gov. Dan McKee on Thursday signed a bill allowing restaurants to continue state approved outdoor dining, regardless of local ordinances.

The bill (2023-S 0683, 2023-H 5264A), sponsored by state Rep. Carol Hagan McEntee (D-South Kingstown, Narragansett), and state sen. Alana DiMario (D-Narragansett, North Kingstown, New Shoreham), extended approved outdoor dining until Feb. 15, 2024.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, McKee imposed a moratorium on some local ordinances that prohibited outdoor dining, allowing more restaurants around the state to serve customers outdoors. That moratorium was scheduled to expire on April 1, but was extended by bill being signed into law.

"The take it outside campaign has proven to be very popular with residents, tourists and business owners alike," McEntee said. "With confusing zoning ordinances that vary from town to town, the process of providing outdoor dining can be costly and overly burdensome on small businesses. Passing this bill provides a window of relief while Senator DiMario and I work with all the stakeholders, including the hospitality association, the league of cities and towns, and individual business owners, to find a long-term solution to keep outdoor dining going strong."

The legislation passed unanimously in both the house and senate.

"With the warm weather coming, our small businesses deserve clarity and certainty," DiMario said. "By passing this extension, we ensure restaurants can plan for this spring and summer as we continue to work with local leaders and small business owners to make outdoor dining permanent."

The legislation passed unanimously in both the House and the Senate.