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Remarks

Restler: Seasonal outdoor dining program failed, 90% of restaurants dropped out

New York City Council · Aug 13, 2026 · starts 0:02:06 · 44 sec

Council Member Lincoln Restler explains that the outdoor dining program updated three years ago by the Adams administration and Council did not work. During COVID, 8,000 restaurants offered outdoor dining; today fewer than 800 participate, a 90% decline.

Lincoln Restler

Thank you so much, Chair Abreu.

Lincoln Restler

I really appreciate it.

Lincoln Restler

It was about three years ago that the Adams administration and this council

Lincoln Restler

updated the outdoor dining program.

Lincoln Restler

And unfortunately, the legislation that was passed a few years ago did not work.

Lincoln Restler

We have seen a really calamitous decline in the number of restaurants that participate in outdoor dining across the city of New York.

Lincoln Restler

During COVID, there were 8,000 restaurants that were offering outdoor dining.

Lincoln Restler

Today, we're well under 800.

Lincoln Restler

So 90% of the restaurants that used to offer outdoor dining, that used to provide a great place for all of us to enjoy an outdoor meal, are no longer available.