Bipartisan legislation sponsored by Senator Vince Polistina (R-2) was signed into law today, making the temporary COVID-era provisions permanent to allow restaurants and certain alcoholic beverage retailers to continue utilizing adjacent outdoor spaces and public sidewalks.

“New Jersey businesses benefited immensely from the innovative measures we adopted during COVID to enable the use of outdoor spaces,” said Sen. Polistina. “By making the temporary outdoor dining and beverage laws permanent, our local businesses will continue to have the flexibility they need to thrive by maintaining the indoor and outdoor seating arrangements that patrons have come to enjoy. This is a big win for business, residents, and local economies.”

The law that allowed businesses to temporarily operate in these spaces was scheduled to expire on November 30, 2024.

Senator Polistina’s bill, S-3608, will now allow owners and operators of restaurants, bars, distilleries, or breweries to continue using outdoor spaces that they own or lease, are adjacent to, or in reasonable proximity to their business to sell food and beverages. Businesses who seek to use outdoor spaces or public sidewalks must file applications with the municipal zoning officer.

You can read the full text of the bill online.