Outdoor

Cheers to More Cheers: Pennsylvania Set to Extend Happy Hours and Permanently Expand Outdoor Dining Post-Pandemic

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Pittsburgh, PA — Amid ongoing efforts to rejuvenate local economies affected by the pandemic, Pennsylvania is set to extend and revise its liquor laws, potentially offering a lifeline to bars and restaurants across the state. The proposed legislation, which has cleared the state legislature and is awaiting the governor’s signature, aims to increase the permissible hours for happy hours from 14 to 24 hours per week, as well as make permanent certain pandemic-era provisions like expanded outdoor seating. Len Semplice, proprietor of Redbeard’s Bar & Grill in Mount Washington and downtown Pittsburgh, hailed the legislative … Read more

North End Business Owners Launch Lawsuit Against City of Boston Over Outdoor Dining Fees: Demand Fair Treatment and Trial by Jury

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Boston, Massachusetts – A group of business owners in Boston’s historic North End are taking legal action against the city over fees for outdoor dining in the neighborhood. The lawsuit alleges that Italian restaurants in the North End have been subjected to unfair treatment by the city in its management of the outdoor dining program for 2022 and 2023. The crux of the issue lies with the fees imposed by the city. Under Mayor Michelle Wu’s policy, North End restaurants must pay a hefty $7,500 fee to participate in this year’s outdoor dining program. Additionally, … Read more

North End Restaurant Owners Sue City Over Alleged Discrimination in Outdoor Dining Policies

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BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – The ongoing battle over outdoor dining in Boston’s North End has taken a legal turn as 21 restaurant owners and the North End Chamber of Commerce filed a lawsuit against the city in federal court this week. According to the lawsuit, the restaurateurs argue that they have faced “unequal, unfair, and discriminatory treatment” from city officials during the past two outdoor dining seasons. The controversy began in 2022 when the city imposed a $7,500 fee on restaurants for operating outdoor dining. The following year, the city completely banned outdoor dining in the … Read more