New York City’s curbside outdoor dining program will return to year-round operation, reversing winter restrictions adopted under Mayor Eric Adams, City Council Speaker Julie Menin announced Wednesday.
Menin said the City Council plans to revise the permanent outdoor dining rules approved last year that barred roadway dining sheds during colder months. The changes would allow restaurants to operate curbside cafés throughout the year, subject to updated safety, sanitation and accessibility standards.
“The intent of the outdoor dining program was always to support small businesses while maintaining public safety and quality of life,” Menin said in a statement. “We are working to strike a better balance that reflects what we have learned since the permanent program was enacted.”
The current rules, which took effect in 2024, allowed sidewalk dining year-round but restricted curbside roadway dining to warmer months. City officials said the winter ban was aimed at addressing concerns from some lawmakers and residents about parking availability, snow removal and emergency access.
Restaurant owners and industry groups had criticized the seasonal restriction, arguing that it limited revenue and undermined the program’s goal of providing stable, predictable dining options. Many said winterized roadway cafés were already operating safely before the rules changed.
The outdoor dining program was first launched on an emergency basis in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, when indoor dining was restricted. It quickly expanded citywide and became a fixture of the restaurant landscape, supporting thousands of establishments.
Under the Adams administration, the City Council approved a permanent program intended to replace the temporary pandemic-era setup with stricter design standards, fees and enforcement. Critics said the final version tilted too far toward complaints about parking and street use, particularly in outer-borough neighborhoods.
Menin said the Council is now drafting legislation to amend the rules and restore year-round curbside dining, with hearings expected in the coming weeks. The mayor’s office said it would review the proposed changes once legislation is formally introduced.
No timeline was announced for when the revised rules would take effect, but council officials said the goal is to have the changes in place before the next winter season.
