| Chapter 116 |
| 2025 -- S 1139 Enacted 06/23/2025 |
| A N A C T |
| RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES -- OUTDOOR DINING ACT |
Introduced By: Senator V. Susan Sosnowski |
| Date Introduced: June 06, 2025 |
| It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows: |
| SECTION 1. Chapter 45-24.7 of the General Laws entitled "Outdoor Dining Act" is hereby |
| amended by adding thereto the following section: |
| 45-24.7-5. Temporary outdoor dining services. |
| (a) Any time a building or other structure used as a food service establishment, is rendered |
| uninhabitable by virtue of a casualty including, but not limited to, fire or flood, the food service |
| establishment may, upon approval of the city or town council, provide temporary outdoor dining |
| services for a period of up to eighteen (18) months from the date of approval received from the city |
| or town council, or until the building or structure is rehabilitated and otherwise made fit for |
| occupancy, as long as the location of the temporary outdoor dining area complies with applicable |
| state health and life safety regulations. The temporary outdoor dining service shall be permitted, |
| notwithstanding any municipal ordinance, including zoning or planning regulations to the contrary, |
| and if the municipality has issued a liquor license for the food service establishment, the license |
| may be used in conjunction with the temporary outdoor dining service. |
| (b) Unless extended by the general assembly, the provisions of this section shall sunset and |
| expire on June 30, 2027. |
| SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage. |
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| LC003045 |
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