A message from Commissioner McCosh: Temporary outdoor seating accessibility

A weekly message from Commissioner McCosh in support of the local disability community.

Dear Disability Community Members,

This week, Massachusetts began Phase Two of its reopening plan. If you are like me, the idea of restaurants reopening is exciting and also a little nerve-wracking! Today I want to take a brief moment to talk about restaurants reopening.

With Phase Two beginning, some restaurants are being allowed to offer outdoor seating throughout Boston. Restaurants that have existing outdoor seating every year will be allowed to continue to have that seating, but with additional restrictions in place that ensure Covid-19 precautions such as physical distancing and mask use. Those restaurants who have never had outdoor seating can work with the Boston Licensing Board to see if outdoor seating is an option through the use of sidewalks, parking spaces, or parking lots. For more information on this temporary seating, please visit the City’s website on Temporary Outdoor Extension Of Licensed Premise Guidance.

I want to assure you that my office is working extensively on this initiative to ensure that these new eating spaces will be accessible and also that the path of travel on the sidewalk is not obstructed. We are working with the Licensing Board to flag restaurants where additional seating is not possible and working with restaurants where new seating is possible. Although we are working every day, we are not able to be everywhere at all times so if you notice that a sidewalk is obstructed by the new seating, please let us know by emailing ada@boston.gov.

I’d like to remind everyone that COVID-19 is still a risk throughout Boston, so if you chose to use the outdoor dining, please continue to take the necessary steps to protect yourself and others: stay six feet away from others when possible, always wear a face covering, and wash your hands often.

Please reach out to us if you need assistance. You can dial 311 to reach City Hall, or call us at 617-635-3682. Our email is disability@boston.gov, and the latest updates are available at boston.gov.

Until next week, please stay informed, stay home, and stay healthy.

Sincerely,