Due to increased interest by restaurant owners in creating outdoor dining spaces in the form of a deck or patio, the City Plan Commission crafted the amendment to the current zoning ordinance which will allow outdoor dining space as an accessory use to a restaurant.
 

Members of the City Plan Commission said the zoning ordinances did not address outdoor dining in any regard. They noted that a few restaurants have informally created outside seating areas, setting out tables and chairs, either in an unused yard area or on the front sidewalk near the building. The commission believes that the interest in outdoor seating areas is related in part to the ban of smoking inside of bars.

"I believe a number of restaurants are looking at a way to handle smokers. Bars are having a difficult time with no interior space," said G.Geoffrey Bray, chair of the city plan commission.

"The concern we would have would be with the noise factor in the neighborhoods, so it would depend on the zone area where the restaurant is located. We want to keep up with the times, but have the proper safeguards in place as well."

Restaurants like West Side Pub on West Main Street have expressed a desire to add an outdoor dining area to their facilities in efforts to boost business, as well as giving smokers an option.

"Most bars have some type of seating. So we will be building a deck with a table and umbrellas on the side starting in April. Spring will be the best time to start," Bob Learned, pub owner said. "We’ve already gone through zoning, and ready to move forward."

Learned believes that creating additional space will be a wise investment.

"Definitely, most businesses have been affected by the new smoking laws. Some of the people who drink say they only smoke when they drink, and a good percentage of our customers are smokers," Learned said. "This addition should increase business, at least I’m hoping it does."

The commission believes that offering an outdoor dining option is not only an important element for restaurants, but almost a necessity for city restaurants to be competitive.

Franchone Fraser-Ben Reuben Bey can be reached at ffraser@newbritainherald.com or by calling (860) 225-4601, Ext.221.