NEW JERSEY - A law signed by Gov. Phil Murphy will allow restaurants and bars to use outdoor dining fixtures in parking lots and sidewalks until November 2024. The outdoor dining trend started as a necessity during the COVID-19 pandemic, and many business owners have continued to offer the option. The bill was sponsored by Assemblyman Roy Freiman and Sen. Paul Sarlo, and no Trenton lawmaker voted against it.
New Jersey Law Extends Outdoor Dining
The legislation also extends the period of outdoor dining in New Jersey through Nov. 30, 2024. It was originally set to expire at the end of this year, but Governor Phil Murphy signed the bill today to extend outdoor dining in the state for two more years. Although outdoor dining is increasingly popular in New Jersey, residents have complained about the noise level, trash, and increased rat activity. Many residents have also expressed frustration with the state's regulation of outdoor dining, and the governor is taking steps to help small businesses thrive.
