Outdoor Dining Streeteries Could Become Permanent, but Only in these Neighborhoods

Something that we have become very used to as a result of the pandemic is streeteries for outdoor dining. They’ve become a staple for Philly restaurants and helped many of them survive the pandemic. The emergency licenses that allowed for this option are set to expire at the end of 2021. But Philadelphia city council just advanced legislation this week that would make streeteries permanent - but only in certain areas.

Since the streeteries are in parking spaces, the new legislation will enforce updated city code that will include regulations to address public safety, traffic flow, transit needs and bike lanes to keep everyone safe. The legislation was approved unanimously by the committee and will now go to the full Council for a final vote, which will happen by the end of the year.

Another bill advanced Tuesday would also permit all sidewalk cafes approved during the pandemic to continue operating through 2022.

If passed, it will authorize streeteries only in certain neighborhoods. Restaurants in unauthorized areas will need to get approval through their own legislation by getting support from their district council person. The following neighborhoods will be authorized to keep their streeteries if this bill continues to advance and ultimately gets passed:

• Center City

• University City

• The business districts of Fishtown, Northern Liberties, Old City, and East Passyunk

• South Philly

• Fairmount

• Main Street Manayunk

• A few other specific designated areas