Melrose Restaurants Can Open for Outdoor Dining

Mayor Paul Brodeur has issued an Executive Order permitting Melrose restaurants to provide table service for outdoor dining only.

“This is great news for our local restaurants and our community,” said Mayor Brodeur. “They will not be able to reopen for indoor service for the time being, but this is an important step along the way. Summer is the perfect time to introduce outdoor dining to Melrose on a larger scale, and I think it will be very popular. I hope they will continue to offer take-out service as well, as the outdoor seating will necessarily be limited.” 

Outdoor seating must be located either on the restaurant’s property or on the next lot, and the outdoor seating cannot encroach on any other property without written permission from the owner. Groups of diners must be 6 feet apart. If the seating is on a sidewalk, the restaurant must leave at least 4 feet clear for pedestrians and other users. All signs, umbrellas, and other items that overhang the sidewalk must be at least 7 feet from the ground, and all tables, chairs, etc. must be removed and secured at the end of the business day. In addition, restaurants offering outdoor service must be careful to ensure that all sidewalks remain fully accessible for pedestrians and users of wheelchairs, walkers, and other assistive equipment.

Restaurant owners who wish to apply for outdoor seating should fill out the online form at this link: https://www.cityofmelrose.org/outdoor-dining-application

“The city is excited to offer this option to our restaurants and our residents and is committed to assisting applicants in licensing and implementing their plans,” Brodeur said. “I want to recognize the invaluable assistance of the Melrose Reopening Task Force for its assistance in planning our reopening efforts.” #MelroseOpenforBusiness