2022 Outdoor Dining Program Announced

Mayor Michelle Wu today announced the return of the Outdoor Dining Pilot Program, a collaboration of the Licensing Board, Boston Fire Department, Inspectional Services Department, Boston Transportation Department, Public Improvement Commission, Disabilities Commission, Public Works, Office of Economic Opportunity and Inclusion, and the Mayor's Office of Neighborhood Services. The Outdoor Dining Program is a citywide initiative that allows restaurants the use of expanded public spaces for outdoor dining. The applications for the 2022 Outdoor Dining Pilot Program are now open. Those interested can apply here.  

“For the past two years we’ve seen how outdoor dining activates public spaces, helps small businesses, and creates connected communities for everyone,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “I’m excited to bring outdoor dining back this spring to support our small businesses and continue to make public spaces more accessible and enjoyable for residents, business owners, and visitors across our neighborhoods.” 

The 2022 Outdoor Dining Pilot Program season will begin on Friday, April 1, 2022, except in the North End. The North End is currently undergoing a community review of the outdoor dining program as special considerations are needed due to the density of the restaurants in the neighborhood. North End restaurants can still submit an application while awaiting follow-up information from the City of Boston on how the program will proceed in the neighborhood.

“We are excited to see the Outdoor Dining Pilot Program return to the City of Boston,” said Segun Idowu, Chief of Economic Opportunity and Inclusion. “This program not only provided much needed support for our small businesses, it also activated spaces across our neighborhoods and helped keep our city vibrant as we recovered from the COVID-19 pandemic.” 

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis. Restaurants that participated in the 2021 outdoor dining program must re-apply for 2022.

To further assist businesses with the application process, the Office of Economic Opportunity and Inclusion, in partnership with the Office of Neighborhood Services, will be hosting a series of virtual training sessions.

Webinars will be held exclusively via Zoom and all applicants must register and participate in order to be considered for the 2022 season. Applicants can register for the below meetings here.

• Monday, February 28 at 4:00 p.m.
• Thursday, March 3 at 4:00 p.m.
• Friday, March 4 at 12:00 p.m.
• Tuesday, March 8 at 9:00 a.m.
• Wednesday, March 9 at 3:00 p.m. 

The City has made significant changes to the outdoor dining guidance including: 

• New closing hours;
• Sunday - Thursday at 9:30 p.m.(all patrons off premises by 10:00 p.m.) and Friday and Saturday at 10:30 p.m. (all patrons off premises by 11:00 p.m.) 
• Updated barrier safety requirements; 
• Updated fire safety guidance; 
• New insurance requirements;
• An evacuation plan 

The full guidance can be found here. Translations of the guidance are available upon request. To request a translated version, please email outdoordining@boston.gov.

Visit boston.gov/outdoordining for more information and ongoing updates about the 2022 Temporary Outdoor Dining Program. Questions and concerns about the program can be sent to outdoordining@boston.gov