DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. — Restaurant owners in the city of Tucker can now get a permit to allow for outdoor dining. It’s a new step to help ensure social distancing as restaurants reopen.
Channel 2’s Audrey Washington learned that the permit is free of charge for restaurants.
The city of Brookhaven also implemented a similar permit program to help restaurants survive during this pandemic.
“It’s just one more thing we’re doing in a whole array of things to help restaurants do business,” said Tucker Mayor Frank Auman.
Auman said he came up with idea after seeing other cities doing it.
“We stole it from other cities who are doing it, that’s the way it works in this business,” Auman said.
Right now, restaurant owners in Tucker can apply for a permit at no charge to allow for outdoor dining.
“We want to make it quick and easy and put them in business,” Auman said.
Brookhaven enacted the program last month.
“The restaurants can use their parking lots or any outdoor space for their dining experience,” said Brookhaven Mayor John Ernst.
Michel Arnette, who owns several restaurants in the Brookhaven area, said he supports the outdoor dining idea. He said it’s just another step to help ensure social distancing at restaurants during the coronavirus outbreak.
“Outdoor dining would present a better opportunity for social distancing and prevent any type of spread,” Arnette said.
According to the permit, in the city of Tucker, owners can set up outdoor seating in parking lots and other open spaces, like sidewalks.
“We really think it’s really good for our public to get out whenever they can in a safe way, so we want to encourage it all we can while staying inside the regulations,” Auman said.
All restaurant owners have to do is apply for the permit and get started.
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