Emergency order changed to ease outdoor dining

Helping local restaurants

Chris nelson.

Rochester mayor kim norton is amending an emergency order to allow bars and restaurants to add or expand outdoor seating.

As we've told you bars and restaurants will reopen next week but at a limited capacity: they can only serve customers outside.

Kimt news 3's isabella basco joins us live with more information from the mayor.

Isabella?

Katie downtown bars and restaurants like these will have to capitalize more on their outdoor patio areas but not every eatery has that.

But city leaders here in rochester want to help.

Under the emergency order... bars and restaurants can utilize areas like parks... sidewalks... and parking spaces to serve food and alcohol.

Mayor norton actually requested the governor open restaurants at 25 percent capacity indoors.

Since the governor only wants outdoor seating... but the mayor wants to support local businesses now.

"the governor felt most comfortable at least at his last press conference to only have outdoor seating.

This is our way of saying, ok, if you can't have indoor seating and you can only have outdoor seating.

We have to make sure you have enough outdoor seating in order to be successful."

Mayor norton's amendment will be brought to city council for approval tomorrow afternoon.

Live in rochester ib thanks isabella.

For any businesses that are hoping to expand their outdoor seating options... they can find an application online.

To get the link... visit kimt dot com.