WORCESTER - Restaurants around the state should be ready to open for outdoor dining as early as Monday.
In Worcester, City leaders are allowing businesses to use sidewalks, parking lots, and other spaces as dining areas, but they must apply for a license to expand outdoor seating.
SEE LIST BELOW: Nearly 20 Restaurants Apply for Outdoor Dining Permits
The City is encouraging people to apply as soon as possible because the Worcester Fire Department and others need to review the proposals to make sure they comply with safety measures.
Volturno Pizza on Shrewsbury St. is among the early group of restaurants that are scheduled to go before the License Commission this week. They say it's not an ideal situation with limited capacity, but they're excited to have customers able to eat outdoors.
"The main priority is to keep everyone safe and go about this the best possible way. On the other hand, we are concerned about the business aspect of it. We have to find balance," said Marco Raposo, Volturno's manager.
An Executive Order from City Manager Ed Augustus waived the $100 application fee and the $156 sidewalk obstruction permit. The state requires tables to be six feet apart with a maximum party size of six people.
These 18 restaurants will be the first to go before the License Commission on Tuesday, June 9:
- Herbie’s, 1028 Southbridge Street
- Brown Square Civic Club, 639 Franklin Street
- Lou Roc’s Diner, 1074 West Boylston Street
- Russo’s Restaurant, 65 Water Street
- 99 Restaurant, 50 Southwest Cutoff
- 99 Restaurant,11 East Central Street
- 99 Restaurant, 900 West Boylston Street
- Peppercorns Grille, 455 Park Avenue
- Sole Proprietor, 118 Highland Street
- 111 Chop House, 111 Shrewsbury Street
- Kenichi Bistro, 270 Shrewsbury Street
- Worcester Beer Garden, 64-66 Franklin Street
- O’Connor’s, 1160 West Boylston Street
- Brew City, 102 Shrewsbury Street
- Volturno, 78 Shrewsbury Street
- Wan Wang Bistro, 401 Park Avenue
- Island Fin Poke, 287 Grove Street (aka 41-42 Park Avenue)
- Lock 50, 50 Water Street