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May 26, 2020
Governor Carney announced that restaurants can apply to expand outdoor seating effective June 1, 2020. Under the interim steps announced all restaurants, bars, taprooms, and craft breweries may also apply to expand outdoor seating capacity to safely serve additional customers when the businesses reopen next month. The Rehoboth Beach Commissioners unanimously agreed on May 26, 2020, to have an application form available for any restaurant to expand their outdoor seating capacity.
The Commissioners also agreed to permit restaurants to utilize some public sidewalk for outdoor seating. A new pedestrian walkway will be created in the parking spaces along the south side and north side of the first two blocks of Rehoboth Avenue (median parking will still be available), and First Street between Baltimore Avenue and Wilmington Avenue.
An application to expand outdoor seating capacity is available here
. The City will review and approve or deny all applications in a timely manner. All applications from establishments with liquor licenses will then be sent by the City to the Office of Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission (ABCC) for their approval. Once approved by ABCC, the City will notify the applicant. Permission granted through this application automatically expires on July 31, 2020, unless expressly extended by the City of Rehoboth Beach. The State or the City of Rehoboth Beach may also revoke permission at any time.
This approval operates under the assumption that the restaurant will be utilizing the indoor facilities to prepare food and beverages. The restaurant establishment must follow all guidelines as outlined by the Governor including the 30% occupancy as set by the Fire Marshal.
Also beginning June 1 merchants may use up to three feet from their storefront to display wares without an application. Business sidewalk usage must take into account ADA and social distancing requirements.
Please email your application to [email protected] or place it in the dropbox in front of City Hall.
For more information, please contact the Communications Department at 302-227-6181 ext. 522 or [email protected].
