Statement From New York City Department of Transportation Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez on the State Liquor Authority’s Decision to Allow Liquor Sales at Roadway Dining Setups[...]

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IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 2, 2025
Contact: (212) 839-4850, press@dot.nyc.gov

Statement From New York City Department of Transportation Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez on the State Liquor Authority's Decision to Allow Liquor Sales at Roadway Dining Setups This Season

NEW YORK - New York City Department of Transportation (NYC DOT) Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez issued the following statement in response to the New York State Liquor Authority's (SLA) decision to allow liquor sales at outdoor dining setups that have received full or conditional approval from NYC DOT, which began April 1:

"New Yorkers came to enjoy outdoor dining during the pandemic, and we are proud that it is now a permanent part of our city's streetscape. NYC DOT has taken action to cut red tape and grant conditional approvals so that thousands of restaurants can serve customers as spring gets underway. We are pleased that the State Liquor Authority worked closely with us to also allow businesses that have received conditional approval to serve alcohol while their applications remain under review. We applaud their decision, which benefits restaurants and all New Yorkers who love outdoor dining."

As established by the laws passed by the New York City Council, participating businesses can operate sidewalk outdoor dining year-round and roadway dining seasonally, from April 1 through November 29. The vast majority of sidewalk applicants are already allowed to operate while their applications are pending. DOT estimates more than 600 roadway dining applicants and nearly 1,850 sidewalk applicants are able to operate this year thanks to the Adams administration's efforts to cut red tape by granting conditional approvals to establishments to begin roadway dining, with more conditional approvals expected for restaurants in the coming weeks.

Applications to participate in outdoor dining are open year-round at nyc.gov/DiningOut. The Dining Out NYC Marketplace created by NYC DOT also features businesses that sell, rent, install, and store outdoor dining setups. Some outdoor dining rental options are available for roughly $33 a day.