Updated SLA Guidance:
Expanding the outdoor dining experience after re-opening
Planning for reopening means strategizing how to maximize your business while keeping your staff and patrons safe. As architects spatial planning is not new to us, but it has changed with the pandemic. Regulations for social distancing have minimized the amount of people that can be indoors at certain establishments. As such it has made us, and many others, consider the use of sidewalks and other open space areas for patron seating. Recently the New York State Liquor Authority has passed new guidance that states that premises that have liquor licenses for their property already but wish to expand to outdoor areas may do so on these following conditions.
Have legal access to the outdoor space that is being included in the expansion. Should the establishment be under another entity they must contact the SLA directly to apply.
Follow social distancing procedures
Increase point of sale places as needed for expanded outdoor area
Update diagram showing all seating areas, dimensions, and points of sale
You must adhere to the rules and process of other municipalities
Once you have determined you have the permission and capacity to safely open into this expanded outdoor space, you must submit the updated diagram for expanded seating along with your license number within the next 5 business days. Otherwise you could incur unnecessary fees or violations. For more detailed information please visit the SLA website or follow this link:
MJM+A Architects, together with their sister company Oculus Consulting Group, have had years of experience producing these required diagrams for the SLA and working with clients through the licensing process as well as amending them as needed. Should you require assistance in this or have other projects you wish to pursue in preparation for reopening please feel free to reach out to us!
We wish everyone the best of luck.