As the day begins, Ariel Diaz sets up tables, umbrellas and chairs on the sidewalk in front of the Malecón restaurant in Upper Manhattan, a temporary measure until the city approves the application to build the new booth on the street in front of his establishment.
The old one they had was removed in compliance with current rules.
Ariel Diaz Sánchez, manager of the Malecón restaurant, explains:
“We, as Malecón, have always followed the orders given by the city. We like to always be in order. We removed the booth when they sent us. We also applied to have this service, and what we want is for there to be a benefit for both parties, including complying with all the laws, but also for it to give us the opportunity to continue growing.”
The city has given them until August 3 to apply for permission to participate in the outdoor dining program, and to remove previously built structures that did not meet the specifications for the new booths approved by the Department of Transportation. This is in terms of dimensions and hygiene measures to keep rodents away from these structures.
Failure to meet the August 3 deadline may result in penalties of $500 for the first violation and $1,000 for subsequent violations.
“We will start with more than ten inspectors who will enforce the rules, we do not want anyone to be fined, so we ask you to fill out the applications until August 3, on the new DOT website with all the measurements and specifications of the 4 models,” said Commissioner Ydanis Rodríguez.
So far, according to figures from the Department of Transportation, 1,937 restaurants have applied for permission to have these booths, 936 to place them on sidewalks, 509 on the streets in front of or next to businesses, and 492 to have spaces for diners both on the street and on the sidewalks.
These outdoor spaces have helped businesses stay afloat after the pandemic.
Ariel Diaz Sánchez, manager of the Malecón restaurant, says:
“The pandemic forced us to take new measures, the city also took a new measure so that people would not gather. We took advantage of this opportunity to be able to provide a service and perhaps not go bankrupt. Having a booth here outside meant that people could feel safer, maintaining this meant a challenge because it has to be kept clean. Keeping it in favorable conditions because we sell food and people can also feel safe, feel that they are eating healthy.”
The street food stalls will be seasonal, so the season starts on April 1st and ends on November 29th.
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