Gov. Ned Lamont has issued a new executive order that may help restaurants and businesses fast-track their reopening.
The governor still plans to issue a separate executive order that will set out rules for the state’s first reopening phase, and the state Department of Economic and Community Development plans to issue operating rules to businesses reopening during that phase.
Lamont’s newest order:
- Allows municipalities to expedite changes to their zoning rules or other ordinances to expand outdoor dining
- Creates an expedited approval process for restaurants and other establishments that serve food to get fast-tracked permission to create or expand outdoor dining areas
- Allows other businesses such as retail stores to get fast-tracked permission to sell goods on the sidewalk or in other outdoor areas, including shared spaces or spaces provided by municipalities
- Allows restaurants and other businesses who already have liquor permits to serve alcohol only with food without applying for a separate patio or extension of use permit
- Allows private clubs to sell alcohol only to their members for delivery or pickup
The full order text is available on the state’s website.
