Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino and members of the Town Board gathered on National “Mom and Pop Business Owners Day” at 387 Bistro & Bar in Plainview to announce that the Town will continue its efforts to boost the restaurant industry by waiving all fees to encourage outdoor dining opportunities through 2021.
“We have worked tirelessly since this pandemic began to help local businesses come back safely and effectively,” said Supervisor Saladino. “We cut the red tape, waived fees and allowed for new outdoor dining options for restaurant patrons, helping owners open safely and successfully. We are pleased to continue with that effort, inviting restaurants to extend their outdoor dining services through 2021 and recoup on their investments of items such as tents, heaters and other coverings.”
The Supervisor noted while these investments helped many remain open in some capacity, a survey of New York restaurants late last year indicated that upwards of 60 percent could close without government funded financial assistance. Simultaneously, New York State released statistics which indicated that bars and restaurants account for only 1.4 percent of new statewide cases of COVID.
“These continued arbitrary rules, including 11 p.m. curfews, are unfair to restaurant owners,” said Councilman Lou Imbroto. “We are urging New York State to fully eliminate these restrictions as these businesses have been through enough. The restaurant industry has already proven they can do what’s necessary to maintain safety protocols and keep customers and employees safe. Let’s let them get back to work.”
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