The Lot at Tomatoe's will be open for outdoor dining until Oct. 31, 2021.
By NANETTE LoBIONDO GALLOWAY
MARGATE The Board of Commissioners Thursday, March 4 gave zoning relief to the city's restaurant operators, who have struggled to stay open during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Although Gov. Phil Murphy signed a Senate bill extending liquor consumption licenses to outdoor spaces until November 2022, local authorization is still required.
According to the board's resolution, the permit is conditioned upon the restaurant owner indemnifying claims against the city.
The temporary zoning permit will be valid for six months, from May 1 to Oct. 31, and allows temporary structures to be erected. The extension will help local businesses recover from the economic hardships caused by pandemic guidelines, the resolution states.
Restaurants can use the sidewalk right-of-way and private parking lots as a way to provide social distancing of customers according to state and CDC guidelines.
The board also approved a resolution allowing Steve & Cookies By the Bay restaurant to extend its liquor consumption area to the entire footprint of the parking lot behind the restaurant, which is located at Amherst and Monroe avenues.
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