New Law Protects Outdoor Dining in Rhode Island

NARRAGANSETT, RI — Outdoor dining is here to stay in Rhode Island. On Monday, Gov. Dan McKee signed legislation allowing Rhode Island businesses to continue to offer outdoor dining, regardless of local ordinances or zoning requirements.

McKee called the new law "a win for our local businesses."

"Restaurant and bar owners have faced extraordinary challenges since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, but have still managed to adapt to serve and accommodate their customers and employees," McKee said. "Outdoor seating has allowed business owners to increase seating capacity and recoup some of the losses they incurred due to the pandemic. I’m proud to sign this legislation into law as it’s a win for the businesses and for customers who want to dine outside."

The bill places a moratorium on enforcing such ordinances or zoning requirements until April 2022, allowing businesses more leeway in creating and operating outdoor dining spaces. McKee ceremonially signed it into law in front of a Narragansett plaza housing several restaurants.

Narragansett lawmaker and bill sponsor Rep. Carol Hagan McEntee, who also chairs the House Small Business Committee, said it's important to support local businesses throughout coronavirus pandemic recovery.

"Our restaurants are consistently ranked as one of our state’s best assets and this storied industry has been truly decimated by the COVID-19 pandemic," McEntee said. "While many businesses have sadly closed their doors for good, our hospitality industry has adapted and many restaurants and other businesses have invested great sums of money in order to continue operating in a safe manner for the public. In particular, the ‘take it outside’ initiative proved to be a great success and the purpose of this legislation is to allow these businesses to continue ‘taking it outside,’ especially as the weather is more favorable once again."

The business community praised the legislation. Dale Venturini, the president of the Rhode Island Hospitality Association, said that "making approved outdoor dining easier provides welcome additional space during the summer months and beyond."