HARTFORD, Conn. — The State Senate voted unanimously to pass a bill that would extend outdoor dining provisions at Connecticut restaurants.
The Senate passed House Bill 5271 with a 34-0 vote, which expands outdoor dining options for restaurants through April 2023. It was set to expire at the end of March.
The Connecticut Restaurant Association is applauding the final passage of the bill.
“Our industry is grateful that the General Assembly has acted on this bill in a bipartisan manner, and we look forward to the Governor’s signature as he has been a strong advocate for expanded outdoor dining in Connecticut,” said Scott Dolch, President and CEO of the Connecticut Restaurant Association. “This is a timely and much-needed measure that will help Connecticut’s restaurant industry as it continues to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. Together, our state and its elected leaders are showing that we must continue to rally around our state’s many local restaurants, the vast majority of which are small businesses.”
Though the Senate passed the bill unanimously, there was some debate when the House voted on it last week. Those opposed to the bill expressed concerns about the state law overruling municipal control over zoning matters.
The bill will now go to Gov. Ned Lamont's desk.
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