Geneva aldermen OK spring outdoor seating for restaurants, bars

GENEVA – The city of Geneva has once again adopted new temporary guidelines to assist restaurants and bars in expanding their outdoor seating options this spring and summer, officials announced in a news release.

The city will be distributing information to local restaurant and bar owners and has posted new guidelines, application forms, and an interactive map on the city’s COVID-19 Resources for Businesses web page at www.geneva.il.us.

The City Council approved the outdoor guidelines at its March 15 meeting.

Similar to 2020, Geneva restaurants and bars can utilize temporary outdoor space to serve customers starting as soon as weather permits and approvals are in place.

Restaurants and bars that received approval in 2020 will need to reapply in 2021. If a tent permit was issued in 2020, a new application must be submitted upon expiration of the current permit, the release stated.

Establishments will be allowed to expand their outdoor dining on private property, courtyards or parking areas with owner consent in compliance with social distancing and outdoor seating rules.

If this expansion includes liquor service, a Temporary Outdoor Seating Liquor License Application is required.

If private property expansion options are unavailable or very limited, outdoor seating may be located on public property using parking lots, sidewalks or parkways if certain conditions are met.

To pursue this option, a Request for Use of Public Property for Outdoor Seating Spring/Summer 2021 form will need to be submitted.

Both applications are free and available online.

The city’s interactive map will help restaurants identify opportunities for additional outdoor seating areas.

For information about the City of Geneva’s COVID-19 response, visit the city’s website at www.geneva.il.us.