SLC restaurants, bars and retailers can temporarily expand their operating areas this summer outdoors

Recent rule changes now allow downtown restaurants and bars to add seating in adjacent outdoor (or indoor) areas. Retailers can also activate additional space. The intention is to allow businesses more physical space to operate under health guidelines that require physical distancing among patrons and workers.

“Downtown restaurants have been innovative in adapting their operations and implementing health safety guidelines. But to achieve physical distance standards between diners, restaurants have reduced their guest capacity by 40 to 70 percent. We are hopeful that many restaurants can expand their safe seating under these new provisions,” says Dee Brewer, Executive Director of the Downtown Alliance. 

Downtown Alliance has been working with other economic development and business associations in support of provisions that would let businesses expand their footprint for service.

Mayor Mendenhall’s Emergency Proclamation No. 11 temporarily relaxes rules throughout  Salt Lake City. The Utah Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (DABC) also temporarily amended regulations to allow alcohol service in those outdoor areas. 

This week, 117 downtown restaurants are open with dine-in and/or take-out service. The number of open downtown restaurants has grown each week since May 9. Some customers are dining in restaurants. Some are dining on restaurant patios.  Some are picking up their favorite meals and picnicking at Gallivan Center, the State Capitol or other nearby public spaces.

Related Articles: 

Utah Gives Restaurants A Break for Alcohol Service Outdoors  The Salt Lake Tribune

Salt Lake City restaurants, shops cheer as mayor allows them to expand into parking areas, side yards during coronavirus The Salt Lake Tribune