Governor Cuomo Now Allowing Outdoor Dining

In a move that has many restaurateurs excited, yesterday Governor Andrew Cuomo announced that as part of Phase 2 reopening in New York State, restaurants may now serve customers at outdoor tables. Today is the first day for that. Restrictions apply of course which means tables must be at least 6 feet apart and staff must wear masks. Customers don't have to wear masks after they are seated at their table so you don't have to worry about how you're going to eat and drink with a mask on.

So this may sound great but in our local area, few restaurants have outdoor seating. It's a logistics issue with current local laws and what officials allow in terms of space on the sidewalk, etc.

Oneonta Mayor Gary Herzig talked recently about how the city's ‘Survive and Thrive’ task force is trying to come up with ways to accommodate Oneonta restaurants downtown who simply don't have enough space in front of their eateries for outdoor dining. The idea of closing off Main Street and/or other streets on certain evenings of the week is being considered. With this new ruling from Governor Cuomo, there will no doubt be a full-court press from Oneonta restaurants for a decision to be made about what restaurateurs are able to do, in terms of outdoor service to customers.