DAYTON — The city will not be approving permits for outdoor seating at restaurants or eateries as those businesses prepare to resume operations Friday under the state’s phased-in reopening plan, Mayor Nan Whaley said Tuesday.
The decision was made because the data on the coronavirus show the scope of testing is not in place, she said during a news briefing with Public Health -- Dayton & Montgomery County.
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“As always the health and safety of this community is our top priority,” Whaley said before the briefing. “While we are excited for our local businesses to open we want to be thoughtful about our role in ensuring public safety.”
Although some surrounding cities are participating in encouraging outdoor dining and even signing permits to make eating areas larger, Whaley said the city cannot in good conscience encourage people to do that.
Huber Heights announced that they will be allowing restaurants to use sidewalks and parking lots as extended dining areas, according to the Dayton Daily News. The city will be lenient on outdoor spaces that would normally go against code.
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Dayton will not be approving permits that would allow restaurants to use parking areas or other areas designed for or typically utilized by vehicles.
“We understand how especially devastating this crisis has been on our bars and restaurants,” Dayton City Manager Shelley Dickstein said in a statement.
“During this time, we have been reviewing rules, regulations, and zoning codes in anticipation of the reopening of these businesses, as they navigate new safety and social distancing protocols. We will continue to work creatively to support our local restaurants and bars as they begin to recover from this crisis," Dickstein said.
Whaley said she is continuing to encourage takeout, for now, and will revisit the policy in partnership with Public Health - Dayton & Montgomery County on outdoor seating in June.
“Just because something is allowed doesn’t mean you should do it," she said. “You will not see me and my husband out at restaurants.”
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