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Requesting the Administration to work collaboratively with City Council to create an expedited path allowing for bars and restaurants to add additional outdoor dining spaces in accordance with state guidelines.
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WHEREAS, the current pandemic has had a devastating impact on the economy as a whole and in particular the hospitality sector; and
WHEREAS, since bars and restaurants in Saint Paul have been required to close their doors due to Covid-19, they have subsequently suffered significant losses; and
WHEREAS, the closure of restaurants and bars has resulted in loss of jobs for workers and loss of income for businesses and presents major threats to our community’s economic vitality; and
WHEREAS, while these businesses are adapting and pivoting at the speed of light to retain their customers and to survive these circumstances, they deserve our support and assistance; and
WHEREAS, bars and restaurants are important sources of economic activity, they also function as the lifeblood of a city’s vitality, and
WHEREAS, Governor Walz has announced a plan for the June 1 re-opening of restaurants and bars, commencing the second phase of the Stay Safe MN order, which allows restaurants to re-open provided that they utilize outdoor restaurant seating for no more than 50 guests; and
WHEREAS, collaboration will be key to recovering our overall economy, and this phase presents opportunities for innovation, reinvention and new ways to operate in hospitality; and
WHEREAS, many restaurants and bars don’t have patios or other options for outdoor seating, requiring the city to respond with more flexible approaches including options such as expanded use of the public right of way, temporary street closures, on-street parklets and expanded use of park space; and
WHEREAS, the City moved quickly to provide bridge fund grants to families and businesses in the immediate onset of the crisis, and now is the time for the City to help to ease restrictions, examine limitations and relieve red tape whenever possible to help businesses meet the state’s requirements and re-open, and be it
Resolved, the City Council commits to supporting our local bars and restaurants in re-opening in ways that serve workers, patrons and businesses, and be it further
Resolved, that the City Council requests the administration - and especially the Departments of Safety and Inspections, Planning and Economic Development and Public Works - to creatively and flexibly respond to business owners’ need for additional outdoor seating arrangements; and be it further
Resolved, the City Council emphasizes the need to act with all possible speed to make these adaptations.