TRENTON – Restaurants, bars, distilleries, and breweries would be able to continue to operate outdoor service, under terms of legislation sponsored by Senator Paul Sarlo that was signed into law today by Governor Phil Murphy.

The law, S-3608, allows for the continuation of an expansion in operations that proved successful during the Covid-19 pandemic.

“The outdoor service initiated during the pandemic proved to be a real success for restaurants and the communities they serve,” said Senator Sarlo (D-Bergen/Passaic), who also serves as Mayor of Wood-Ridge. “It was good for the economy, beneficial for downtown business districts and very popular with patrons and residents. It put people to work, generated economic activity and brought new life to local communities. It is a success story that is well worth continuing.”

The law continues regulations that allow restaurants, bars, distilleries, and breweries to utilize covered and uncovered patios and decks, yards, walkways, parking lots and public sidewalks for both food and alcohol consumption. The business operators would have to continue to be compliant with local ordinances related to health, safety, fire, and zoning. The new law does not change state fire code regulations that restrict using tents during winter months due to snow-load factors.