Rehoboth Beach Commissioners Update Plan for Outdoor Dining

With Phase 2 of the state's economic reopening underway, the City of Rehoboth Beach will remove the remaining barricades city-wide beginning November 2. The commissioners agreed at their special meeting on September 22 to remove the barricades that were put in place for outdoor dining as the barricades rental period is ending soon. Restaurants currently utilizing outdoor dining are approved to continue through March 31, 2021, with tables placed adjacent to their façade. City staff contacted restaurants for their outdoor dining plan moving forward, and all were enthusiastic about the opportunity to continue with their outdoor dining. 

Forty-four restaurants have outdoor dining in place, of which 11 utilize barricades to accommodate pedestrian traffic better. 

"As we continue to address the struggles due to COVID-19 and try to move forward, supporting our restaurants, bars, and dining establishments is essential as the crisis has especially hard hit them. Continuing outdoor dining space will not only help these restaurants thrive financially but give our City a sense of normalcy. The restaurant industry is a huge part of the City of Rehoboth Beach. This will help give everyone better access to enjoy and support their local restaurants," said City Manager Sharon Lynn.

The City's Building and Licensing staff will continue to work closely with all restaurants for their outdoor seating plan as we move into the fall and winter months. 

Commissioners will continue discussing outdoor dining logistics at their next special meeting scheduled for Tuesday, September 29, at 3 p.m. On the agenda for this meeting is a strategy for businesses to use City public space and private space beyond the business floor plan. Please visit cityofrehoboth.civicweb.net/portal/ for meeting information.

Please direct questions to the Communications Department at 302-227-6181 ext. 522 or [email protected].