This Wednesday — May 20 — marks the day Connecticut restaurants can reopen for more than curbside takeout and delivery .
There are restrictions: For example, outdoor dining only is permitted; there is no bar service. Tables must be 6 feet apart.
That should be good news for owners, employees and diners. The restaurant industry has been one of the hardest hit by the coronavirus.
Le Penguin’s mascots are making it through the pandemic. Like restaurant owners all over town, their owners are figuring out how to adapt to new state reopening regulations. (Photo/Marcy Sansolo)
But don’t expect a rush of al fresco options 2 days from now. Several steps — beyond simply configuring space (and ordering single-use menus) — must be taken first.
Westport Planning & Zoning chair Danielle Dobin notes that Governor Lamont has temporarily suspended municipal laws regulating outdoor dining. So instead of the traditional permitting process, restaurateurs here must submit a simple application to P&Z director Mary Young.
Westport Police and Fire Department officials, along with the Westport Weston Health District, must sign off on each application. Restaurants that already have outdoor dining must apply too, ensuring they comply with revised health regulations.
Romanacci already has an outdoor dining permit. Under new regulations, tables — shown here last year — now must be 6 feet apart. (Photo/Dan Woog)
Lamont’s executive order “provides tremendous flexibility to restaurants looking to create an outdoor dining space,” Dobin says.
“Normal requirements for parking and setbacks have been waived. Restaurants can even explore using neighboring properties or parking lots, so long as the owners of those properties approve of the plan.
“Residents should expect restaurants all over the state to create larger outdoor dining areas than in the past. Our outdoor restaurant spaces will often look and feel a bit different.”
Sherwood Diner prepares for outdoor dining. (Photo/Dan Woog)
You won’t hear a lot of live music, however. Previous noise regulations remain in effect.
Dobin says that the board of selectmen are also looking at “the creative use of certain town roads to facilitate outdoor dining and outdoor shopping.”
Matthew Mandell, executive director of the Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce, is the restaurant liaison for the ReOpen Westport Advisory Team. On Friday he led a Zoom call, with over 3 dozen restaurant owners.
Restaurant owners and town officials joined a conference call on Friday.
“Our restaurant owners are committed to providing a safe environment for their guests,” Dobin says.
“There is no rush to reopen. Many owners will take their time. I hope that all of our residents are supportive and patient with our fabulous Westport restaurants, as they find their way in this new world.”
“This is not a race,” Mandell agrees. “Slow and steady will win this one. The goal of ensuring health and safety for customers, staff and owners will ultimately lead to everyone’s success.”
As restaurants announce openings, lists compiled by the Chamber of Commerce and OneWestport will be updated regularly.
The owners of Harvest, Tarantino and Romanacci met on Friday, to discuss the best use of Railroad Place.