Gov. Charlie Baker on Thursday plans to sign a pair of executive orders dealing with outdoor dining and arcade reopenings.
In a visit to the Medford restaurant Bistro 5, Baker said he would sign an order allowing indoor and outdoor arcades to open next week and another that will “extend the time-frame for municipal permitting for expanded outdoor dining.”
“That expansion will help restaurants like this one continue serving guests in their outdoor space on the same basic terms that have been permitted since June, and we hope this eases the burden on restaurants and extends their season for outdoor dining as well,” Baker said.
Vittorio Ettore who owns the restaurant said he initially opposed installing a patio but then took advantage of the state funding to make it happen in late July.
“This program is literally saving the restaurant industry in Massachusetts. I fully believe that” he said.
Baker also announced another $5 million in Massachusetts Department of Transportation and federal CARES Act funding would be made available through the Shared Streets and Spaces program, which helps create space for socially distanced commerce, dining and walking.
The money doubles the program to $10 million, and Baker said Shared Streets has given out $7.7 million to fund 91 projects.
Bistro 5, Baker said, is one of several restaurants in Medford that’s been able to provide outdoor dining space by using the money to acquire Jersey barriers to block off an area and other materials. As the weather gets colder, Baker said, Shared Streets money can also go to heaters and special lighting to help restaurants extend their outdoor seasons.
Baker later hinted that changes may be coming to make it easier for businesses to stay afloat once the snow starts flying.
With the NFL back in action this coming weekend, the governor said he hopes people will be able to police themselves at tailgate events and game day parties.
“There is nothing wrong with people coming together,” he said. “The issue is coming together in a way that doesn’t respect the rules.”
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