COLUMBUS – As the delta variant of the coronavirus causes an upturn in cases of COVID-19, the city of Columbus is extending its outdoor seating pilot program for bars and restaurants.
The program allows restaurants and bars to use the right of way for temporary on-street dining areas or to expand seating into their parking lots, increasing their seating capacity to replace indoor seating lost as a result of social distancing.
“With this extension, we look forward to a prosperous fall season where outdoor dining helps our restaurants, bars and foodservice locations continue to rebound from a very challenging 2020,” Ohio Restaurant Association president and CEO John Barker said.
The pilot program, launched in summer 2020 and resumed in March to support dining establishments and bars during the pandemic, has been extended through Nov. 14, the city’s Department of Public Service announced Thursday.
New applications are still being accepted.
Temporary outdoor seating areas permitted must comply with the requirements of state and local health regulations.
Tents are allowed in parking areas, but must be open on two sides for ventilation, and combustible heaters are not permitted.