Clarion Borough Council is expected to approve limited sidewalk cafe-style dining at its June 16 session.
Council members seemed receptive to the idea during discussion at their June 2 meeting, held via tele-conference.
Downtown business owner Jim Crooks and Bryan Smith, co-owner of Clarion River Brewing Co., made the pitch for outdoor seating via telephone.
“I don’t think we need people out there eating at one in the morning,” said Peck.
Smith said he talked to Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board officials who said alcohol-based drinks could be served with food if the business is already permitted to do so.
Smith and council members agreed any drinks served outside would be in plastic cups.
“I think it would look awesome,” said Crooks. “And it would be pro-active in helping businesses that can only sit 50 percent of their occupancy inside.”
Crooks was referring to the recent moving of Clarion County into the “green phase” of COVID-19 emergency mitigation.
The green phase allowed restaurants to re-open for dining in, but limits seating to 50 percent capacity.
Smith said the outdoor seating is vital as his and other borough restaurants cover from a two and half-month shut-down.
“I would also like to say I would like to make this permanent,” Smith said.
Borough treasurer Todd Colosimo said he researched the matter and found the tables and seats can be no more than six-feet from the building and must be brought in at night.
“And, we probably shouldn’t allow it during (Autumn Leaf Festival),” said Colosimo.
Borough council president Carol Lapinto said each restaurant owner will need to apply individually for permission to have outdoor seating, noting there would not be blanket approval for the dining option.
Lapinto said council’s housing and zoning committee, headed by Rachel Roberts, will meet soon to discuss the details of the plan and will return to the June 16 meeting with recommendations and comments.
Lapinto said restaurant owners interested in applying for the permits can go ahead and submit their requests prior to that June 16 session.
“That way council can vote on them at that meeting,” said Lapinto.
Lapinto said the applicants should include their intended hours of service-service in their applications.