Philly COVID-19: Philadelphia City Council Passes Outdoor Entertainment Bill

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) – Restaurant owners love the warmer spring weather and the patrons it attracts, especially for al fresco dining.

Now, with the sounds of happy and hungry diners, there will be music in the streets. Restaurants that have outdoor dining permits will soon be able to apply for a city permit to provide outdoor entertainment.

“We have lost over 200 full-service restaurants, 50 of which have closed permanently. We wanted to provide an opportunity to help businesses attract customers, ”City Councilor Katherine Gilmore Richardson said.

The bill, introduced by Gilmore Richardson, was passed unanimously by city council and heads to Mayor Jim Kenney’s office for a signature.

“We really needed an opportunity to support our local restaurants and our local arts and culture,” said Gilmore Richardson.

This bill could be signed as early as next week, giving restaurants the ability to expand what’s on the menu for their guests and attract people to spend.

There are restrictions on the sidewalk regulations of the Noise Ordinance.

Philadelphia restaurateurs can soon apply for the outdoor entertainment license with the Philadelphia Streets Department.

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