The concept of reopening is a three-legged stool that must have a sturdy foundation on all sides lest it collapse.
“Reopening” is a more-apt term for what must happen in the reemergence from the pandemic. “Returning to normal” is a misnomer, as it must be realized that life before March 2020 will never return. But we must have businesses able to operate unfettered. Second, the public must have confidence that businesses will take all precautions and continue procedures to assure that health risks to customers are minimized. Third, the government must realize its role has changed. All its machinations are now under the magnifying glass of public scrutiny, especially on social media.
Outdoor dining has become very popular and has defied conventional wisdom. We dined outdoors well into the fall, and even during some points in the winter. Patio spaces have emerged earlier than ever this spring. The expectation is that such spaces will be offered long after reopening is complete. Newport appears to have taken the lead in outdoor dining, from Bar ‘Cino to The Chanler at Cliff Walk to Sardella’s Italian Restaurant. A subcategory of outdoor dining is the so-called “igloos.” The feeling among some restaurant owners who have used the igloos is mixed on whether they will remain after the pandemic.
The government is lurching toward making policy on outdoor dining in public spaces. The sidewalks of Newport are prime real estate for seating. The Newport City Council attempted to address the issue at a meeting in April. Councilwoman Kathryn Leonard expressed the prevailing viewpoint, stating the public interest must be served by examining if public spaces such as sidewalks and parking spots are to be used. If so, what would the arrangement be for the business to use them? It is a fair question. Before March 2020, there would have been endless hearings. There would have been debate on what fees should be paid, new tax assessments, ordinances and stifling bureaucracy. That was the old world. It took a painful pandemic, but things changed and so businesses now extend into the street.
The reason for this was explained by Newport Mayor Jeanne-Marie Napolitano. She said on my radio show that it was the act of the City Council in extending existing emergency powers held by City Manager Joseph Nicholson. In reviewing each restaurant’s plans, he will carry the ad hoc public-private partnership through the upcoming season, after which further study will be needed to find what should be done permanently. “Some restaurants will have to go through the manager to allow [outdoor dining spaces]. [Nicholson] is in the best position to judge, then he can recommend to the council,” Napolitano said.
The rumor on restaurant row of new fees being charged to the restaurants to grant them use of the outdoor space proved to be just that. No fees will be charged to restaurant owners for this season. Napolitano cited an example of how there was concern on the part of the council about a restaurant located in the wharf area and its plans to place tables in a particular area near pedestrian traffic. The restaurant was allowed to proceed, and there were no complaints from the public.
In other news, the Museum of Work & Culture announced the winner of the Fifth Annual Poutine Indulgence: Adeline’s A Speakeasy Kitchen Bar of Cumberland, its fourth consecutive win. There was a tie for runner-up between competition newcomers KG Kitchen Bar of Providence and Ming’s Asian Street Food of Pawtucket. Other contestants included: Bywater in Warren, Ciro’s Tavern in Woonsocket, Durk’s Bar-B-Q in Providence and Friskie Fries in Providence and Johnston.
Bruce Newbury’s radio show and podcast, “Dining Out with Bruce Newbury,” is broadcast on WADK 1540 AM and several radio stations throughout New England. Email him at Bruce@BruceNewbury.com.
