NEW YORK The New York City mayor’s office on Monday introduced a new rule that will extend the outdoor dining season at restaurants and cafes throughout the city.
The new rule would allow restaurateurs to install approved portable natural gas heaters in licensed sidewalk cafes and restaurants so they can keep those establishments open longer as fall and winter approach.
According to NYC & Company, the city’s official marketing and tourism organization, outdoor dining is at an all-time high, with approximately 900 sidewalk cafes legally operating throughout New York, a 25-percent increase from 2003.
In order to install the portable heaters, restaurants must first have a license from the city’s Department of Consumer Affairs to operate sidewalk cafes.
"By extending the ever-popular outdoor cafe season, the energy on our city streets will continue well into the winter months, as our visitors and residents alike take part in what is truly the quintessential New York City dining experience," said George Fertitta, chief executive of NYC & Company.