April 3rd, 2020 – Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced outdoor dining at restaurants will be permitted in Phase Two of reopening. Suffolk County is on track to enter phase two on June 10th.
“Suffolk County leaders have been advocating for restaurants to have the ability to reopen outdoor dining. Given that the Town of Islip offers miles of waterfront restaurants, and that many of our inland restaurants offer dining alfresco, it is essential that these establishments have the opportunity to open their outdoor and waterfront spaces at the earliest and most prudent time,” said Islip Supervisor Angie Carpenter. “COVID-19 has had an irrevocable financial impact on the restaurant and business community thus far, and reopening outdoor dining will give business owners the much-needed chance to recoup some of their lost revenue,” she added.
The NYS Guidance states that outdoor tables must be spaced six feet apart, all staff must wear face coverings and customers must also wear face coverings when not seated.
"COVID-19 is still a real threat and we're still battling it…," Governor Cuomo said. "But thanks to the people of New York and the nurses, doctors and essential workers, today we have the lowest number of hospitalizations ever and we have the lowest death toll ever. We are continuously evaluating activities that can be safely reopened, and now we are adding outdoor seating at restaurants to phase two."
In preparation of NYS allowing bars and/or restaurants to reopen, the Town of Islip has established a Temporary Outdoor Dining Permit Application and a Canopy/Tent Permit Application Temporary Outdoor Dining with no fees. The online fillable application can be accessed below, as well via the Planning & Development page, and on The Reopening Process homepage.