Glenview votes to continue its temporary outdoor dining policy
Cheers.
Glenview restaurants have officially been cleared to serve customers outdoors this fall and winter.
On Tuesday the village board of trustees updated parameters to the village's Temporary Outdoor Dining Policy. Restaurants will be able to continue serving outside through fall, winter and, barring a downturn in public health conditions, until Phase 5 is reached in the Restore Illinois Plan.
Restaurants are allowed to use tents or similar structures, the agenda item stated, through the start of the 2021 outdoor dining season when a new outdoor dining permit will be required.
"I think one of the things we're trying to do here is help the restaurants, help the entrepreneurs survive the winter," said trustee Chuck Gitles.
"I think all in all it's a good move for our businesses. We should make things easier, hopefully they'll be comfortable," said board President Jim Patterson.
On that note, only electric-powered heating devices will be allowed inside an enclosed structure, or tent. Propane- or gas-powered heaters are not allowed inside and must be at least 5 feet from a building.
Temporary outdoor structures may be fully enclosed as long as conditions are met for distancing and occupancy, and there are two primary exiting points.
Whether fully enclosed or with two open sides, the tents must conform to current indoor dining guidelines regarding distancing, and have no parties of greater than 10 people. Fully enclosed tents will require additional signage regarding an increased risk of coronavirus transmission in enclosed spaces.
"As long as you're maintaining 6-foot social distancing between your tables or your parties, you're compliant," said Jeff Brady, Glenview director of community development, who presented the policy update.
Lighting is required, and public walkways and entrances must be kept clear for snow removal.
The tents may be deemed unsafe and prohibited in cases of snow and "weather events," the agenda item stated.
The Village Board approved a temporary outdoor dining policy at its June 16 meeting for use during Phases 3 and 4 of the Restore Illinois. It remains in Phase 4.
"Staff will be reaching out to all of the restaurants within the community and updating any of their temporary outdoor dining permits, making any necessary inspections as the restaurants are adding heating elements to it," Brady said, "as well as in the fall and winter time frame as it's getting darker out earlier, adding any lighting and any electrical chords that are necessary for that; (and) making sure that the access points are included.
"And then, and as part of these new operations or guidelines, any time there's a major snow event or major weather event that would be occurring, it's recommended that the tent would be inspected to make sure that the snow has come off of the tent and everything is secure."