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Licensing Commission conveying its policy for outdoor seating for restaurants in the coming year.
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Official Text
To the Honorable City Council:
I am writing to inform you that at its meeting on October 19, 2020, the Licensing Commission voted to approve the following policy with respect to restaurants that offer outdoor seating in this time of pandemic.
For restaurants that operate patios on private property, the Commission extended the use of that private property from November 1, 2020 through December 31, 2021, or until the Governor’s emergency order is lifted, whichever comes first.
For restaurants that operate patios on public property, the Commission extended the use of that public property from November 1, 2020 through January 11, 2021, and from April 1, 2021 through December 31, 2021, or until the Governor’s emergency order is lifted, whichever comes first. Licensed use of the public way shall be discontinued upon notice by the Licensing Commission, Commissioner of Public Works, or the City Engineer that the outdoor seating and all related equipment must be removed so the public way can be accessed for a public purpose, including, but not limited to, snow removal, street repair, and utility work.
For all restaurants, outdoor and indoor operations in 2021 shall be contingent upon the successful renewal of their operating licenses by this Commission as part of the annual license renewal process.
The Commission thanks the City Council for the opportunity to support our vitally-important restaurant community in these difficult times by licensing the use of public property when safe and appropriate.
Please contact me if I can be of further assistance.
Joseph P. Lynch, Jr., Chair
Somerville Licensing Commission