Trenton politicians bring good news for New Jersey restaurants

There’s not much better than enjoying a good meal paired with some fresh air. Whether you’re dining on the bay watching the South Jersey sunset or having lunch outside of a local cafe, New Jersey has a variety of quality restaurants where you can enjoy your meal in the beautiful weather.

After the COVID-19 lockdowns, outdoor dining became more common. Due to social distancing restrictions, it has been the lifeline for many restaurants and foodservice establishments.

Many small business owners improvised with tents, umbrellas over tables, canopies and other outdoor dining facilities. But the need for outdoor dining became increasingly popular with customers, and many New Jersey restaurants wanted to maintain that option for their guests.

New Jersey politicians in Trenton are doing the right thing

Gov. Phil Murphy has signed a new law that will make temporary permits for outdoor dining permanent. The temporary permits issued to New Jersey businesses in 2020 and 2021 were set to expire on November 30, 2024.

New Jersey restaurants that have already established outdoor dining options are now permitted to maintain this service for their customers. Small business owners with temporary expansion permits can now convert them to permanent permits.

Legislation S3608/A4866 also allows certain alcoholic beverage retailers to maintain their outdoor dining and drinking facilities as permitted by the New Jersey Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC).

Both restaurants and alcoholic beverage manufacturers can have their permanent permits renewed annually by the NJ ABC, along with approval from local authorities. The new law gives business owners the opportunity to expand their dining establishments on public sidewalks and in designated outdoor areas.

This is the second bill signed this calendar year to benefit small business owners in New Jersey. The passage of liquor licensing reform removed the many aggressive restrictions on craft alcohol producers while modernizing New Jersey’s liquor licensing system.

If you’re looking for outdoor dining and drinking options to try before the weather turns cold, here are ten of the most popular outdoor bars in Atlantic City:

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