New Jersey Senate Bill S1911

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/3/22
• Refer: 3/3/22

Caption

Concerns restaurant tents during coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic.

Impact

The primary goal of S1911 is to alleviate some of the regulatory burdens that restaurants face regarding outdoor dining amid health concerns around COVID-19. By allowing establishments to use outdoor tents or structures without the usual stringent snow load certifications, the bill hopes to facilitate continued patronage during the winter months while still ensuring some level of safety. However, it stipulates that any such cover must not accumulate more than two inches of snow unless certified accordingly, thereby balancing public safety with economic support.

Summary

Senate Bill S1911, introduced in the New Jersey Legislature, is designed to address concerns related to outdoor seating for food and beverage establishments during the COVID-19 pandemic. The bill permits these establishments, including restaurants, bars, and food courts, to seat patrons in open-air spaces that have a fixed roof or a temporary or seasonal awning or cover, provided that certain safety conditions are met. This legislation aims to support the dining sector, which has faced significant operational challenges due to pandemic restrictions.

Contention

While the bill is intended to provide temporary relief, its provisions may spark debate regarding public safety and accountability in maintaining outdoor dining conditions. Critics may raise concerns about the adequacy of safety measures for patrons seated under structures in snowy weather, which could pose risks if those structures are not properly maintained or certified to hold snow loads. Additionally, as the bill is designed to expire upon the cessation of a specific executive order, there may be discussions surrounding the duration and implications of such temporary measures.