Peoria temporarily relaxes outdoor patio restrictions amid coronavirus
Nov 14, 2020, 8:00 PM | Updated: Nov 15, 2020, 7:04 pm
(AP Photo/Matt York)
(AP Photo/Matt York)
PHOENIX — The city of Peoria will temporarily allow restaurants and bars to expand outdoor seating patios in an effort to help local establishments navigate the coronavirus pandemic.
The temporary provision gives restaurants and bars that are approved the opportunity to regain some lost indoor dining capacity by moving customers to an outdoor location, according to a press release on Thursday.
“Small businesses have encountered many disruptions over the past year and it’s critical that we continue to do all that we can to support them,” Mayor Cathy Carlat said in the release.
“This provision is about easing restrictions to help our local restaurants and bars maximize their offerings to our community. It’s just in time for cooler weather and I hope our businesses take advantage of this opportunity to expand their footprint.”
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The outdoor expansion will be limited to 50% of the current occupant load, according to the release, with the review process for the provision verifying the outdoor expansion doesn’t create safety or access issues.
The provision, which aligns with Carlat’s earlier state of local emergency declaration, will expire at the end of the emergency.
After limiting restaurants to delivery and takeout from March 20 to May 11 in response to the coronavirus, Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey in July allowed restaurants to be at 50% capacity.
