As spring approaches, NYC's outdoor dining permits are scarce. Out of nearly 4,000 applications, only 40 restaurants have been granted licenses for al fresco dining. Comptroller Brad Lander highlighted that the slow permit process crucially impacts restaurant owners who need to establish outdoor seating ahead of the season. New regulations demand specific safety measures, placing additional pressure on establishments. The Department of Transportation (DOT) states that the lengthy approval process is due to required reviews by local community boards and public hearings, underscoring a bureaucratic backlog that hinders the restaurant industry's recovery.
But out of those thousands of applications, only 40 restaurants received permits to go head with al fresco dining, NYC Comptroller Brad Lander said.
Spring is almost here, and restaurant owners are running out of time to design new outdoor seating and obtain liquor licenses.
Time is especially important this year because restaurant owners must comply with new outdoor dining regulations that include new barriers and floors for their structures to help ensure safety and cleanliness.
The process includes DOT's initial review of the application before it is sent to the local community board.
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