Outdoor Dining Continues for the Duration of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency
In an effort to accommodate more outdoor dining at Connecticut restaurants, Governor Ned Lamont issued Executive Order  7MM  which:

  • Allows municipalities to expedite changes to their zoning rules or other ordinances to expand outdoor dining by suspending various zoning rules, hearings and permit requirements
  • Expedites the approval process for restaurants and other establishments that serve food to create or expand outdoor dining areas on sidewalks, closed roadways, and parking lots, although DOT must approve any application for outdoor dining on closed roadways
  • Allows restaurants and other businesses who already have liquor permits to serve alcohol with food orders only without applying for a separate patio or extension of use permit, however, outdoor bars that only serve alcohol will be prohibited

Please be advised that the expanded outdoor dining authorized under Executive Order 7MM remains in effect for the duration of the COVID-19 public health emergency .

Although restaurants may begin offering indoor dining on June 17, this does not in any way limit a restaurant's ability to offer outdoor dining in accordance with EO 7MM. Here is a link to the Reopening Rules for Indoor Dining. All businesses subject to the Phase 1 and Phase 2 reopening rules are required to  self-certify  prior to opening.
COST Associate Member Spotlight

Updike, Kelly & Spellacy’s municipal practice group has been a cornerstone of the firm’s identity for over forty years. During that time, UKS has represented more than sixty municipalities, various regional and special purpose authorities and special services districts. UKS is committed to providing excellent legal advice and to developing strong working relationships with Connecticut’s cities and towns with regard to municipal finance, bonds, taxes, land use, town attorney and special counsel services. During the current Covid-19 pandemic UKS’s municipal practice group has been providing timely and practical advice to its municipal clients on all aspects of federal and state law, including Governor Lamont’s Executive Orders, related to taxes, bonds, elections, town meetings, budget approval and tax collection, deferment and enforcement. UKS has authored numerous client alerts on municipal law related issues which can be found at  www.uks.com . If you have any questions or need assistance with regard to Covid-19, Executive Orders or Municipal Law matters in general, please contact Robert M. DeCrescenzo, Esq., at 860.548.2625 or  rdecrescenzo@uks.com , Richard D. Carella, Esq., at 860.548.2681 or  rcarella@uks.com ,  Michael P. Botelho , Esq. at (860) 548-2637 or  mbotelho@uks.com  or  Jennifer M. Egan ,Esq. at (860) 548-2628 or  jegan@uks.com .
 
COST's Associate Members  - firms and professionals that provide a wide range of products and services to meet the needs of Connecticut’s municipalities – have highlighted some of the resources that they can provide to you and your community during this difficult time. We encourage our members to “shop first” with COST’s Associate Members whenever possible.

If your firm would like to be included in COST's COVID-19 Municipal Resources listing, please contact James.berardino@gmlobbying.com. We will be highlighting the firms in our electronic bulletins.