ABERDEEN – The Township Council in Aberdeen Township will issue temporary use permits regarding outdoor dining as the 2020 coronavirus pandemic slows and restrictions are being lifted.
A temporary use permit for outdoor dining may be issued to a restaurant with an active food handler’s license which does not have approved outdoor dining or wishes to expand an existing outdoor dining area, according to municipal officials.
Outdoor dining will resume on June 15, according to Gov. Phil Murphy. Social distancing guidelines at outdoor dining areas will be in place. The council has worked on the issue with the Aberdeen Economic Business Council (EBC).
Permit holders will be required to comply with sanitation guidelines and infection control guidelines. The temporary permits will remain in effect until Oct. 31, unless extended by the township.
“While many of our restaurants have done a brisk take-out business during the pandemic, others also want to offer their loyal patrons the option to safely eat out again,” Mayor Fred Tagliarini said.
“The outdoor dining rules provide a good interim step in advance of any future move by the state to allow indoor seating. Our Building Department will do everything possible to expedite the permit process for applicants,” he said.
“The (Township Council) and the administration are to be applauded for being proactive and taking this important step to help get our restaurants back on their feet,” EBC Chairman Carmine Visone said.
