Chandler and Tempe were one step ahead of Governor Doug Ducey when he announced his Dec. 2 executive order allowing restaurants to expand or create outdoor seating in a bid to increase acceptable capacity during the pandemic of COVID-19.
The governor’s order, however, goes further than the Chandler and Tempe measures by providing $ 1 million in funding to cover the cost of creating the outdoor spaces: up to $ 10,000 per restaurant for items such as furniture. exterior, barriers, patio heaters and patio covers.
“Transforming our restaurant operations is not easy and it is certainly not cheap, especially during a pandemic which has been a lifelong challenge for our local and small businesses,†said Ducey. “That’s why… I’m issuing an executive order that will allow restaurants to cross sidewalks and other rights-of-way, reducing bureaucracy.
“In Arizona, we have the luxury of a beautiful winter that lends itself to having a table outside.”
Ducey’s order remains in effect indefinitely.
Chandler is one step ahead ‘In the streets’
Chandler had previously launched a program that allows businesses facing indoor capacity restrictions to expand onto sidewalks or on-street parking areas outside.
“On the Street†also gives patrons who weren’t comfortable dining indoors at this point the opportunity to continue supporting their favorite local establishments safely outside. The program will run provisionally until May 31.
“Local businesses are a vital part of our economy and this program is another way Chandler is helping businesses during COVID,†said Chandler Mayor Kevin Hartke. “We all need to continue to do our part to hide ourselves and keep a healthy distance, and ‘On the Street’ allows businesses to deliver an outdoor experience to our community that is not quite at ease. with indoor activities. “
The Brickyard, located in historic downtown Chandler Square, was the first company licensed to offer street food.
“The past few months have been tough for the entire industry,†said Gavin Jacobs, co-owner of Brickyard. “’On the Street’ allows my business to expand its dining options safely while meeting our customers at their comfort level. As soon as we heard about this program, we jumped at the chance.
Mingle + Graze, a downtown cheese factory and restaurant, and Burst of Butterflies, a downtown creation and painting studio, are also participating.
Expansions on streets are limited to those with a speed limit of 25 mph or less, no more than one lane of traffic in each direction (excluding center turn lanes) and with parking designated on street. Eligible establishments must have a street frontage on the ground floor of a building
“On the Street†isn’t limited to downtown restaurants and shops. It’s city wide. Information on the qualifications for the program can be found online at chandleraz.gov/OnTheStreet. Businesses must submit an application and receive approval from the city.
For more information or to start the application process, contact Downtown Redevelopment Specialist John Carter Owens at 480-782-3047 or email [email protected]
Tempe’s Woods values ​​outdoor seating
Tempe had created a similar program, a free space expansion permit, allowing businesses to access parking lots and sidewalks outside stores, before Ducey’s decree. On December 8, Woods changed it to match Ducey’s order and extended it until May 9.
Mayor Corey Woods signed a proclamation that allows retail businesses, restaurants and bars to expand on urban or private property at no cost. This creates more space to serve customers safely. Information: Extension of the premises application.
Additional review and approval is required by the Arizona Department of Liquor Control and Licensing if alcoholic beverages are to be served.
The State finances at Ducey’s “Safest Outdoor Restaurant Assistance ProgramTo help restaurants cover the costs of the outdoor seating expansion is $ 1 million initially, to be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis to eligible businesses that have been approved for premises expansion.
To be eligible, applicants must comply with all executive decrees related to COVID-19; demonstrate approval of the premises expansion by a local governing body and the Arizona Department of Liquor, if applicable; provide for an extension of the premises for a minimum of three months; must have less than 50 employees; and must be owned and operated by Arizona. Applications were opened on December 7.
More information is available at azcommerce.com.
Besides, Arizona Tourist Board provides $ 100,000 to help restaurants safely and effectively expand outdoor dining. The ARA will provide a direct consultation to any restaurant in Arizona interested in expanding to increase physical distance and maximize outdoor seating capacity amid the pandemic.
ARA will help you navigate the local and state authorization process and provide a review of the application. It will expand public health campaigns that educate Arizona restaurants on current best practices.
“Like all other businesses, Arizona restaurants are working hard to deal with the pandemic and protect employees and customers,†said Steve Chucri, president and CEO of ARA. “The Arizona Restaurant Association continues to work with public health officials to make the necessary adjustments, including moving many operations outside and strengthening remediation measures.”
