Aberdeen Paves the Way for Outdoor Dining
ABERDEEN TOWNSHIP, N.J. (6/9/20)—The Aberdeen Township Council today announced that the municipality is now issuing temporary use permits for outdoor dining for restaurants with an active Food Handlers license that currently do not have approved outdoor dining, or wish to expand already approved outdoor sections. The move comes in tandem with new state rules that paved the way for outdoor dining to commence on June 15, at which time ‘non-essential’ retailers can re-open with enforced social distancing.
Created in consultation with the Aberdeen Economic Business Council (EBC), the permit guidelines are designed to encourage appropriate social distancing in accordance with guidance from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), State of New Jersey and Monmouth County Health Departments, and in conformance with State and Local Executive Orders. Permit holders must also comply with sanitation and infection control guidelines specified under New Jersey Executive Directive No. 20-014 that provides COVID-19 protocols for outdoor dining service.
The temporary permits will remain in effect until October 31, 2020, unless extended by Aberdeen Township. The permit application can be obtained by contacting Paula Ramsay of the Building Department at: paula.ramsay@aberdeennj.org. The state’s outdoor dining protocols will be attached to the application.
“While many of our restaurants have done a brisk take-out business during the pandemic, others also want to offer their loyal patrons the option to safely ‘eat out’ again,” said Mayor Fred Tagliarini. “The outdoor dining rules provide a good interim step in advance of any future move by the state to allow indoor seating. Our Building Department will do everything possible to expedite the permit process for applicants.”