NYC DOT says deadline to apply for outdoor dining program is almost up

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The Department of Transportation says local restaurants have until Saturday to apply for the city's outdoor dining program. "Dining Out NYC" allows owners to extend their restaurant seating. The program started last August but that was only temporary. Owners have until the end of the day on Saturday to apply for a seasonal or year-round permit. There are new guidelines for restaurants that wish to keep their sidewalk cafes up. Sidewalk cafes can operate year-round, while roadside cafes will be seasonal from April to November. The Department of Transportation says fully enclosed structures like dining sheds will no longer be allowed. Structures must be easy to assemble and take down so they can be cleaned regularly. "I have seen some restaurant owners that have decided to remove the shed, because they think they don’t need it anymore," said Ydanis Rodriguez, NYC DOT Commissioner. "So what we know is that people will make the decision based on what makes sense to them or investment wise.” Restaurant owners in Bushwick told News 12 off camera while they love the outdoor set up, they intend on taking it down due to some of the new regulations for the set, while others say it's simply not worth it anymore. Restaurant owners in Throggs Neck say outdoor dining carried their business through the COVID-19 pandemic and they are willing to make necessary changes to keep their structures up. "They've reached a good plan that works for the city, for safety, for our benefit, so we are willing to do whatever we have to do to make it work," said Kevin Alicea, managing partner of Havana Cafe. Owners that miss the deadline can face fines up to $1,000. For more information how where to apply, click here. "