Cocktails-to-Go Extended for Massachusetts Restaurants and Bars Until May 1, 2022

Over the past year or so, dining and drinking spots across the state have been allowed to sell mixed drinks to customers for offsite consumption, and now they will be able to do so for nearly another year.

According to an article from NBC Boston, Governor Charlie Baker signed into law today a bill that will extend sales of to-go cocktails by restaurants and bars in Massachusetts until May 1, 2022, with the bill also including the selling of beer and wine for off-premises consumption. This comes on the heels of the Covid-19 state of emergency ending early yesterday morning after being in place since last March, leading to speculation about the exact status of the alcohol to-go program.

In addition to cocktails-to-go continuing on until early May of next year, the bill also extends the allowing of special permits for expanded outdoor dining through April 1, 2022.

[Earlier Article]
Cocktails-to-Go Bill Signed into Law, Allowing Massachusetts Restaurants to Offer Mixed Drinks for Takeout

by Marc Hurwitz (Also follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston)

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[A related post from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): List of Restaurant Closings and Openings in the Boston Area]

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The Baker Administration Quietly Lifts More Restaurant Restrictions

On May 10, the Baker Administration eased restrictions on maximum capacities at large venues while also allowing indoor singing to be part of live entertainment once again, but some other changes quietly took place that directly affect restaurants in the state.

According to a post from NBC 10 Boston, dining spots across Massachusetts are now allowed to have reusable menus, condiments on the tables, and standard utensils, while they are no longer required to sanitize chairs and tables after each seating. These changes apparently were put in place on Monday, May 10, but did not appear to be mentioned in the press conference that day.

As mentioned earlier, May 29 will bring more changes to the state, including bars that do not serve food being able to reopen as will those beer gardens, breweries, and wineries that also don't offer food--and in addition, customers will no longer need to order food with their drinks at any of these businesses. (Boston will have a three-week delay on these changes.)

[Earlier Article]
Baker Administration to Allow Bars That Don't Serve Food to Reopen Starting May 29

by Marc Hurwitz (Also follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston)

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[A related post from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): List of Restaurant Closings and Openings in the Boston Area]

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Baker Administration to Allow Bars That Don't Serve Food to Reopen Starting May 29

It looks like Massachusetts bars that have been closed for more than a year due to pandemic-related restrictions will be able to reopen late next month.

In today's update, Governor Charlie Baker and Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito stated that starting May 29, bars that do not serve food will be able to reopen, as will those beer gardens, breweries, and wineries in the state that also don't offer food--and in addition, customers will no longer need to order food with their drinks at any of these businesses, though patrons will need to be seated while groups will have to be spaced six feet apart--and the 90-minute limit will continue for now. (The maximum table capacity will be increased from six to ten.)

In the update, Polito also stated that starting May 10, venues having a capacity of 5,000 or more will be able to increase their maximum capacity from 12% to 25%, and singing will be allowed indoors as of May 10 as well. (Polito also mentioned that the plan is for dance clubs and nightclubs to be able to reopen as of August 1, or possibly earlier depending on public health data, and capacity of restaurants, bars, and other businesses will increase to 100% by or before August 1.)

Finally, the outdoor mask mandate gets lifted on Friday, April 30, which could have at least some effect on patio dining.

by Marc Hurwitz (Also follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston)

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[A related post from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): List of Restaurant Closings and Openings in the Boston Area]

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Restaurant Workers in Massachusetts Will Be Eligible for Covid Vaccines Starting Monday, March 22

It appears that workers in the local restaurant industry won't need to wait much longer for vaccinations.

According to a page within the state website, restaurant and cafe workers in Massachusetts will be able to schedule Covid-19 vaccine appointments beginning Monday, March 22, while many others in the food industry will be able to do so as well, including workers in grocery and convenience stores, those who work at food pantries, and food service workers who are involved in the production, processing, storage, transport, wholesale and retail sale, preparation, and service of food items. 

The update also mentions that people in several other categories will be able to get vaccinated effective March 22, including sanitation and public health workers, those involved in the public works, utility workers, people in the transportation industry, medical supply chain workers, those involved in vaccine development, court system workers, and funeral directors and workers.

by Marc Hurwitz (Also follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston)

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[A related post from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): List of Restaurant Closings and Openings in the Boston Area]

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Live Music Is Now Allowed at Massachusetts Restaurants--But No Singing Is Allowed Indoors

Late last month, it was reported that restaurants in Massachusetts would be able to feature live music once again, but some confusion surrounded the exact details. Now we have learned that while it is indeed allowed, there is one restriction that will probably be seen as a major one.

According to an article from 7 News Boston, live music--which was allowed to resume in dining spots as of March 1--cannot include singers if the acts are indoors, as singing is only allowed in outdoor areas such as patios or decks. This jibes with what a few restaurants owners said to us over the past several days, though it was not known for sure whether these were old rules from last year that would be changed or whether they would remain in place, which appears to be the case. The post also mentions that each performer needs to be 10 feet from the others, while the acts must also be 6 feet from the nearest customers--and dance floors will remain closed for now while performers will need to wear masks when possible.

The information above was clarified by state officials via a bulletin that was apparently issued over the weekend.

[Earlier Article]
Baker Administration to Remove Maximum Restaurant Capacity Restrictions, Allow Live Music in Restaurants

by Marc Hurwitz (Also follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston)

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[A related post from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): List of Restaurant Closings and Openings in the Boston Area]

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Baker Administration to Remove Maximum Restaurant Capacity Restrictions, Allow Live Music in Restaurants

Earlier this month, the Baker Administration adjusted the maximum capacity for restaurants in Massachusetts upward a bit, and now the restrictions will be lifted (though with distancing restrictions still in place)--and music will also be able to return to dining spots.

In today's update, Governor Charlie Baker and Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito stated that the state will move into Phase 3, Step 2, where restaurants will no longer have maximum capacity restrictions beginning Monday, March 1 (the six-foot distancing rule will continue, however), while the maximum table size will remain at 6 and a time limit of 90 minutes for diners will remain in place as well. Baker and Polito also said that live music will be allowed at restaurants once again, along with music venues being able to open at 50% capacity with no more than 500 people as of March 1. In addition, as long as public health data allows, the state will move into Phase 4, Step 1 as of March 22, including venues having a capacity of 5,000 or more (including TD Garden, Fenway Park, and Gillette Stadium) being allowed to reopen at 12% maximum capacity starting that day. (Bars, nightclubs, and food courts will remain closed for now, according to Baker.)

[February 27 update: Universal Hub reports that the city of Boston is going to hold off on allowing live music in restaurants and smaller venues, looking instead at March 22 rather than March 1 "if public health data allows."]

[Earlier Article]
Baker Administration Increases Maximum Restaurant Capacity to 40% Starting February 8

by Marc Hurwitz (Also follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston)

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[A related post from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): List of Restaurant Closings and Openings in the Boston Area]

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Baker Administration Increases Maximum Restaurant Capacity to 40% Starting February 8

Back in December, the Baker administration rolled back the maximum capacity for restaurants and other businesses in Massachusetts to 25%. Now, with the Covid numbers heading mostly in the right direction, the capacity restrictions will be adjusted upward.

In today's press conference update, Governor Charlie Baker stated that restaurants are among the businesses that will be able to increase their maximum capacity to 40% beginning Monday, February 8. Baker did say that other safety guidelines will remain in place for now, including the maximum table size remaining at 6 and a time limit of 90 minutes for diners.

The lifting of the maximum capacity follows on the heels of the January 25 lifting of the 9:30 PM restriction on table service and the 10:00 stay-at-home advisory.

[Earlier Article]
Governor Baker to Lift 9:30 PM Restriction, Stay-at Home Advisory; 25% Capacity Limit to Be Extended

by Marc Hurwitz (Also follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston)

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[A related post from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): List of Restaurant Closings and Openings in the Boston Area]

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Governor Baker to Lift 9:30 PM Restriction, Stay-at Home Advisory; 25% Capacity Limit to Be Extended

It looks like a couple of restrictions that affect restaurants and bars in Massachusetts are going to be lifted, though another restriction is being extended a bit longer.

In today's news conference, Governor Charlie Baker stated that starting Monday, January 25 at 5:00 AM, dining and drinking spots will no longer be required to stop providing table service by 9:30 PM, and the stay-at-home advisory to keep people off the streets between 10:00 PM and 5:00 AM will be lifted then as well. (Both the restriction and the advisory had been put in place on November 6.) In addition, the 25% maximum capacity for dining spots--which began on December 26--will be extended until February 8.

The Baker administration also said today that 638 new grants are being awarded to businesses in the state, including restaurants.

[Earlier Articles]

Governor Baker Issues Executive Order Requiring Restaurants and Bars to Stop Serving Food/Drink by 9:30 PM
Update: Baker Administration Rolling Back Maximum Restaurant Capacity to 25% Until at Least January 24

by Marc Hurwitz (Also follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston)

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[A related post from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): List of Restaurant Closings and Openings in the Boston Area]

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Grant Program Coming for Massachusetts Restaurants and Other Businesses

One day after the Baker administration increased restrictions on restaurants and other businesses in Massachusetts, a new state stimulus program has been announced that is designed to help support those businesses that have been hurt badly by the pandemic and the subsequent restrictions.

In today's press conference, Governor Charlie Baker and Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito announced that a $668 million relief package is on its way for small businesses in the state, with restaurants and other hard-hit businesses being eligible for grants of up to $75,000 or three months' worth of operating expenses starting as soon as next week. The Baker administration says that the new program will be linked to the existing grant program and that businesses do not need to reapply if they have already done so, while those that have not yet applied can do so starting December 31 via empoweringsmallbusiness.org and that they have until January 15 to apply. (The grant money can be used for rent and utilities along with paying down debt and other costs of operation.)

Yesterday, Governor Baker and Lieutenant Governor Polito announced that the maximum capacity of dining spots and other businesses and industries will be lowered to 25% beginning Saturday, December 26 and lasting for at least two weeks.

[Earlier Article]
Baker Administration Rolling Back Maximum Restaurant Capacity to 25% for at Least Two Weeks

by Marc Hurwitz (Also follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston)

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[A related post from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): List of Restaurant Closings and Openings in the Boston Area]

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Update: Baker Administration Rolling Back Maximum Restaurant Capacity to 25% Until at Least January 24

[Ed note: This article was updated on January 7 to reflect a two-week extension of the restrictions.]

Earlier this month, the Baker administration issued a rollback to Phase 3, Step 1 due to the latest surge in the pandemic, and now new restrictions have been announced that will affect restaurants and other businesses in Massachusetts.

In today's press conference, Governor Charlie Baker and Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito gave details on the latest mandates, including lowering the maximum capacity of dining spots to 25% (not including workers and staff) starting on Saturday, December 26. Baker mentioned that because this and other decisions made today will certainly affect local businesses, a significant economic relief fund will be presented tomorrow that will be geared toward helping those small businesses that are affected the most by the restrictions.

In addition to restaurants, the capacity restrictions also apply to most other industries and businesses (including theaters, grocery stores, and performance venues) along with houses of worship, while outdoor gatherings will be limited to 25 people and indoor gatherings will be capped at 10 people.

[January 7, 2021 update: According to an article from NBC10, the capacity restrictions issued by the Baker administration are being extended for two more weeks to January 24.]

[Earlier Article]
Governor Baker Issues Rollback to Phase 3, Step 1 Starting December 13

by Marc Hurwitz (Also follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston)

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[A related post from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): List of Restaurant Closings and Openings in the Boston Area]

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Governor Baker Issues Rollback to Phase 3, Step 1 Starting December 13

In light of the latest surge of the COVID-19 pandemic, Massachusetts is taking a step back.

In today's press conference, Governor Charlie Baker has announced that the Commonwealth will be rolling back to Phase 3, Step 1 beginning on Sunday, December 13. This rollback affects restaurants, including the reduction of maximum table size from 10 to 6, a 90-minute time limit on tables, and diners being encouraged to only sit with members of the same household--and customers will need to wear masks at all times except when they are actually eating and drinking (they cannot take the masks off the minute they sit down). In addition, all musical performances will now be prohibited at restaurants, food court seating will be shut down in malls and other spaces, and all indoor performance venues will be closed.

The Baker administration is hoping that these new restrictions will be temporary, especially considering that vaccines are now on the horizon.

by Marc Hurwitz (Also follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston)

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[A related post from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): List of Restaurant Closings and Openings in the Boston Area]

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Governor Baker Issues Executive Order Requiring Restaurants and Bars to Stop Serving Food/Drink by 9:30 PM

A new restriction for restaurants and bars in Massachusetts is on its way due to the sharp increase in COVID cases, while another restriction will make sure people return home soon after finishing dinner.

In today's news conference, Governor Charlie Baker stated that all dining and drinking spots will be required to stop providing table service by 9:30 PM (though they can continue to offer takeout after 9:30), while a stay-at-home advisory is being issued to keep people off the streets between 10:00 PM and 5:00 AM unless they need to do such things as go to school, work, the grocery store, the pharmacy, or getting takeout food--or needing emergency medical care. The new interventions will commence at 12:01 AM on Friday, November 6, according to Baker. (All indoor recreation facilities will also need to shut down by 9:30 PM as well, and liquor sales at stores, restaurants, and markets will need to end by that time, too.)

The number of new COVID cases in Massachusetts has steadily increased over the past several weeks, with new cases topping 1,000 daily on a regular basis for the past week and a half.

More information on the new stay-at-home advisory can be seen here.

[November 6 update: According to Patrick Maguire of Maguire Promotions & Hospitality Consulting, an update to the rules allows customers dining in at restaurants and bars to be able to stay until 10:00 PM, though they cannot be served any food or drink after 9:30 PM. (This has been confirmed in a safety standards and checklist page.)]

by Marc Hurwitz (Also follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston)

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[A related post from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): List of Restaurant Closings and Openings in the Boston Area]

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Please help keep Boston Restaurant Talk and Boston's Hidden Restaurants going by making a one-time contribution or via a monthly subscription. Thanks! (Donations are non-deductible.)

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Group Seating Limit at Massachusetts Restaurants to Increase to Ten; Boston to Keep Limit at Six

The Baker administration will be allowing restaurants to allow larger groups to sit at tables, but this won't be applying to Boston, at least for now.

According to an article from NBC 10 Boston (and mentioned here earlier), Governor Baker announced yesterday in a news briefing that dining spots in the state will be able to seat as many as ten people at a table beginning on Monday, September 28, increasing the number from the current limit of six. Mayor Walsh subsequently said in his daily briefing that Boston will continue to limit groups to six people, as he is concerned that the city is getting close to the red category for coronavirus transmission. It is possible that Walsh could have Boston eventually join other communities in the state in expanding the group limit to ten, but for now, the limit remains as is.

As reported yesterday, Baker also announced that bar seating in Massachusetts will be able to open for food service beginning Monday, though social distancing rules will apply including plexiglass being placed between the customers and the bar spaces unless there are no active work areas or working staff behind the bar at least six feet away from the customers.

[Earlier Article]
Governor Baker Announces That Bar Seating Will Be Allowed to Open for Food Service Starting Next Week

by Marc Hurwitz (Also follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston)

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[A related post from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): List of Restaurant Closings and Openings in the Boston Area]

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Please help keep Boston Restaurant Talk and Boston's Hidden Restaurants going by making a one-time contribution or via a monthly subscription. Thanks! (Donations are non-deductible.)

Governor Baker to Sign Order Extending Timeframe for Expanded Outdoor Dining in Massachusetts

It looks like at least some local restaurants may be able to breathe a sigh of relief as the weather starts to cool down.

According to an article from NBC Boston, Governor Charlie Baker said while on a visit to Bistro 5 in West Medford yesterday that he plans to sign an executive order which would "extend the timeframe for municipal permitting for expanded outdoor dining." Baker gave his reasoning for the order in the update, explaining that "That expansion will help restaurants like [Bistro 5] continue serving guests in their outdoor space on the same basic terms that have been permitted since June, and we hope this eases the burden on restaurants and extends their season for outdoor dining as well." The allowing of expanded outdoor dining, which was initially set up to help restaurants get through struggles due to the COVID-19 pandemic, was scheduled to end on November 1; as of now, it isn't known exactly how long it will be extended, so stay tuned for any updates as they come in.

In the update, Baker also stated that he will sign another order allowing for the reopening of arcades next week, which had previously been included in Phase 4 of the reopening of the Massachusetts economy.

by Marc Hurwitz (Also follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston)

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[A related post from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): List of Restaurant Closings and Openings in the Boston Area]

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Please help keep Boston Restaurant Talk and Boston's Hidden Restaurants going by making a one-time contribution or via a monthly subscription. Thanks! (Donations are non-deductible.)

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Cocktails-to-Go Bill Signed into Law, Allowing Massachusetts Restaurants to Offer Mixed Drinks for Takeout

After a long wait, restaurants in Massachusetts can finally offer cocktails for takeout.

According to a tweet from State Senator Diana DiZoglio, Governor Baker has just signed the cocktails-to-go bill into law, with this allowing dining spots to sell mixed drinks to customers for off-premises consumption as long as they are in sealed containers and sold with food purchases--and no more than two cocktails can be sold per entree. An earlier article from NBC Boston said that the bill was passed by the House on June 3, but it took until July 10 to get through the Senate.

A law allowing beer and wine to-go was passed this spring as a way to help restaurants and bars as they struggled with the shutdown that was put in place in March due to the coronavirus outbreak.

by Marc Hurwitz (Also follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston)

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[A related post from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): List of Restaurant Closings and Openings in the Boston Area]

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Can Restaurants in Massachusetts Offer Live Entertainment? It Depends

There has been some confusion as to whether dining spots in Massachusetts can feature live entertainment as the COVID-19 pandemic continues. Now we have some answers, though questions do remain.

Based on questions we have received from restaurant owners and managers in the state about whether live music is allowed, we talked with a source with knowledge of the phased reopening plan for Massachusetts and have learned that restaurants can indeed feature live entertainment if it is set up outdoors, but they cannot have live entertainment inside their businesses. We are also hearing that live entertainment outdoors might be written in stone, either, depending on the community, as one source indicated in a message last month that cities and towns may be setting (or attempting to set) their own rules about this, and whether or not they can override the state ruling is unknown.

The state is in Phase 3 of its reopening plan as of today, with the previous phase allowing restaurants to open outdoor dining areas, and eventually indoor areas as well--though restrictions including social distancing are set in place for both.

by Marc Hurwitz (Also follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston)

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[A related post from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): List of Restaurant Closings and Openings in the Boston Area]

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Phase 3 of Reopening Plan for Massachusetts Begins for Many on Monday; Phase 4 Not Happening Anytime Soon

The next phase of the reopening plan for Massachusetts is set to begin for all residents of the Commonwealth except for those in Boston, and there has also been confirmation that nightclubs and some bars will remain off-limits for what could be a long time.

In today's press conference, Governor Charlie Baker gave the green light for Phase 3, with the first step beginning on Monday, July 6, though the city of Boston won't start Phase 3 until Monday, July 13. In addition, Baker reiterates that Phase 4--which includes the reopening of bars without kitchens and nightclubs (and presumably bar tops/counters within already-reopened restaurants and bars)--will not happen until a vaccine and/or therapeutic is available, with Baker saying that "As difficult as it is for the people who operate and work in those institutions, we could not figure out a way to [open the bars and nightclubs] safely."

On a side note, Phase 3--which does not really affect restaurants or bars--will have a second step at some point, though it is not yet known what it will entail.

[Earlier Articles]
Phase 2, Step 2 of Reopening Plan for Massachusetts Begins Monday; Indoor Dining Spaces Allowed to Open
The Uncertainty of Phase 4 and How It Creates a Nightmarish Situation for Certain Bars and Clubs in Massachusetts

by Marc Hurwitz (Also follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston)

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[A related post from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): List of Restaurant Closings and Openings in the Boston Area]

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Phase 2, Step 2 of Reopening Plan for Massachusetts Begins Monday; Indoor Dining Spaces Allowed to Open

Earlier this month, Governor Charlie Baker gave the green light for Phase 2 of the reopening of the Massachusetts economy, and now he has announced a date for the next part of the phase, which, like the first part, will help restaurants in their reopening plans.

In his press conference today, Governor Baker said that Step 2 of Phase 2 will commence on Monday, June 22, with this step allowing dining spots to open indoor dining areas, though with a number of restrictions in areas such as social distancing, hygiene protocols, safety and operations, and cleaning and disinfecting (see guidance/safety standards link below). The first part of Phase 2 had allowed restaurants in the state to open outdoor dining areas, which led to many places scrambling to set up patios and decks for the first time ever.

As mentioned earlier, bars with kitchens along with breweries, wineries, and beer gardens that provide seated food service can also open their indoor areas, though any such spots with no kitchen and/or seated food service will have to wait until Phase 4.

Each of the first three phases of the reopening plan lasts for at least three weeks, so if all goes well, Phase 3--which currently does not affect restaurants--could begin as early as Monday, June 29, though Phase 4 might not begin for a long time because it is based on the development of vaccines and/or treatments that would allow for the resumption of the "new normal."

More information on Step 2 of Phase 2 can be found here.

[Earlier Article]
Phase 2 of Reopening Plan for Massachusetts to Begin Monday; Outdoor Dining Spaces Allowed to Open
The Baker Administration Releases Guidance/Safety Standards for Massachusetts Restaurants
Guidelines Set in Place for Reopening of Beer Gardens, Breweries, Wineries, and Distilleries in Massachusetts
The Uncertainty of Phase 4 and How It Creates a Nightmarish Situation for Certain Bars and Clubs in Massachusetts

by Marc Hurwitz (Also follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston)

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[A related post from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): List of Restaurant Closings and Openings in the Boston Area]

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Phase 2 of Reopening Plan for Massachusetts to Begin Monday; Outdoor Dining Spaces Allowed to Open

Last month, Governor Charlie Baker signed an executive order for a four-phase approach to reopen the Massachusetts economy based on public health guidance concerning the coronavirus, with Phase 2 allowing restaurants to initially open outdoor dining areas and later, indoor dining areas. At the time, the earliest possible day for Phase 2 to commence was June 8, and thanks to public health metrics moving in the right direction, this is indeed its starting date, which is good news for some restaurants right off the bat.

Based on the details given for the first step of Phase 2, outdoor dining areas in the Boston area and elsewhere in Massachusetts will be allowed to open (with restrictions) starting on Monday, June 8, with Step 2 of Phase 2 allowing indoor spaces to reopen. An exact date for Step 2 has not been given as of yet, as it depends on how much progress has been made on the COVID-19 pandemic; once that date has been given, an update will be posted here.

Each phase of the reopening plan lasts for at least three weeks, so if all goes well, indoor dining spots could be opening sometime within the three weeks. As far as bars are concerned, those that do not have kitchens will not be allowed to reopen until Phase 4, though it appears that bars with kitchens and outdoor sections will be able to open their outdoor areas on Monday as part of Phase 2, as will breweries, beer gardens, wineries, and distilleries.]

[Earlier Article]
Guidelines Set in Place for Reopening of Restaurants and Bars in Massachusetts

by Marc Hurwitz (Also follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston)

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[A related post from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): List of Restaurant Closings and Openings in the Boston Area]

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Boston-Area Communities Work on Plans to Facilitate, Expand Outdoor Dining As Phase 2 Approaches

Restaurants in the Boston area and elsewhere in Massachusetts could be allowed to reopen seating areas as early as next week depending on when Phase 2 begins, and with it, cities and towns in the local region are working on plans to help dining spots with outdoor seating.

According to several sources, communities such as Waltham, Arlington, and Quincy are in various stages of making things easier for restaurants to set up outdoor dining areas and/or expand existing outdoor patios/decks, with Waltham getting ready to close Moody Street to traffic as mentioned here earlier, Quincy allowing restaurants to set up sections on sidewalks or extended patios according to Wicked Local, and Arlington working on a similar proposal that would allow for outdoor seating on sidewalks, parking lots, on-street parking spaces, or landscaped yard areas around the dining spots. It looks like other cities and towns in the Boston area are working on plans to help with outdoor seating as well, and further out, Provincetown is considering something similar to Waltham, looking at possibly closing down part of Commercial Street to traffic Thursday through Sunday evenings according to the Cape Cod Times.

As of now, the earliest that Phase 2 could begin is Monday, June 8, with Governor Charlie Baker slated to give more information on its exact starting date tomorrow. As of now, Phase 2 includes allowing restaurants to initially open outdoor areas, and eventually, indoor areas.

by Marc Hurwitz (Also follow us on Twitter at @hiddenboston)

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[A related post from our sister site (Boston's Hidden Restaurants): List of Restaurant Closings and Openings in the Boston Area]

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