Sidewalk Cafe: How to Operate

General Requirements

• Sidewalk cafes must be kept clean, well-maintained, and clear of trash, debris, graffiti, vermin, food scraps, and unsanitary conditions.
• A restaurant must maintain good order including proper conduct of patrons and preventing excessive congregation of restaurant patrons immediately adjacent to the setup.
• Furnishings and decorative elements such as tables, chairs, tabletop lighting, etc. must be secured during non-operating hours, but cannot block or impede access to utility infrastructure.
  • Umbrellas and overhead coverings must be secured during inclement weather such as high winds or heavy snow.  
• No smoking or e-cigarettes are allowed.
• Unreasonable Noise:
  • No musical instruments or amplified sound unless authorized by a Street Activity Permit.
  • Must comply with the NYC Noise Control Code, including all restrictions and prohibitions relating to unreasonable noise pursuant to subdivisions (a) and (a-1) of section 24-218 of the Administrative Code.
  • NYC DOT may refer community disputes to alternative dispute resolution through the Mediating Establishment and Neighbor Disputes NYC program (MEND NYC). 
• Restaurant staff must serve patrons from within the sidewalk cafe. Restaurants cannot use the sidewalk to serve patrons. 
• Alcohol may only be served if permitted by the NYS Liquor Authority.
• A restaurant must keep on hand a copy of the outdoor dining license and make it available upon request by a government official or inspector.