Downey approves outdoor dining for restaurants

Outdoor dining at the Olive Restobar in Downey.

DOWNEY — The City of Downey approved a temporary outdoor dining program on Tuesday, allowing restaurants to utilize adjacent outdoor areas for food and drink service.

As Los Angeles County slowly begins to reopen after the events of the COVID-19 outbreak, restaurants are now able to start reopening their doors for dine-in service.

However, safety protocols still limit dining establishments to decreased occupancy (60%) and limited party size, with social distancing still in effect.

Downey’s new program provides restaurants additional seating that can accommodate the mandated safety measures by allowing restaurant owners and property owners to designate walkways, sidewalks, or parking stalls for outdoor dining.

Businesses with alcohol licenses will also be permitted to serve alcohol to accompany meals.

All restaurants in the city are eligible to participate, with restaurants located in Downtown Downey able to utilize the public sidewalk or street parking subject to meeting safety standards and obtaining an encroachment permit.

Businesses are required to register with the city and obtain a permit before beginning outdoor operations.

The program will be in place for 90 days but can be extended at such time, if needed.