Mayor Mamdani Signs Bill to Make Outdoor Dining Permanent in New York City

Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani signed legislation (Intro. 0655) that removes the seasonal requirement for restaurants to dismantle roadway dining setups. The new law allows year-round outdoor seating on city streets, with the New York City Department of Transportation (NYC DOT) tasked with issuing winter-ization rules in the coming months.

Mayor Mamdani Signs Bill Making Year-Round Outdoor Dining a Permanent Part of New York City

Under a 2023 ordinance championed by former Mayor Eric Adams, participating restaurants had to remove roadway cafés between November 30 and March 31 each year, while sidewalk cafés were exempt. Business owners argued that the repeated set-up and takedown generated unnecessary costs and limited planning flexibility.

Mayor Mamdani Signs Bill Making Year-Round Outdoor Dining a Permanent Part of New York City

Mayor Mamdani described the signing as “a different policy choice” that will make the city “feel even more alive.” Council Member Lincoln Restler said the law restores outdoor dining across all five boroughs and eliminates “unnecessary red tape.” Council Member Shanel Thomas-Henry highlighted that the measure gives entrepreneurs “greater flexibility” to serve neighbors year-round. NYC DOT Commissioner Mike Flynn noted that the department will develop rules to let restaurants winterize their setups while preserving the “light and airy” street atmosphere.

Mayor Mamdani Signs Bill Making Year-Round Outdoor Dining a Permanent Part of New York City

• “Today's bill signing is reflective of a different policy choice, one that will make New York City feel even more alive than it currently does,” — Zohran Mamdani, mayor

CBS News

• “Outdoor dining transformed our city once before, and now we are making sure it has a permanent place in New York City,” — Zohran Mamdani, mayor

Mayor Mamdani Signs Bill Making Year-Round Outdoor Dining a Permanent Part of New York City

• “The Adams-era regulations nearly broke outdoor dining, but this law will successfully restore outdoor dining to neighborhoods across the five boroughs,” — Lincoln Restler, council member

Mayor Mamdani Signs Bill Making Year-Round Outdoor Dining a Permanent Part of New York City

• “Our entrepreneurs deserve a city that creates pathways for them to grow, adapt and succeed. Intro. 0655 gives them greater flexibility to serve their neighbors, grow their businesses and create opportunity year-round,” — Shanel Thomas-Henry, council member

Mayor Mamdani Signs Bill Making Year-Round Outdoor Dining a Permanent Part of New York City

• “ “New Yorkers love dining outside, and outdoor seating makes our streets more vibrant while helping support the small businesses we cherish.” — Mike Flynn, NYC DOT commissioner

Mayor Mamdani Signs Bill Making Year-Round Outdoor Dining a Permanent Part of New York City