Bill Enables Businesses to Continue Utilizing Streets Outside
SEATTLE – Councilmember Dan Strauss (District 6 – Northwest Seattle), Chair of the Land Use Committee, celebrated the passage of his legislation that extends free café street and outdoor dining permits through January 31, 2023. The program enables restaurants and other retail storefronts to utilize streets outside of their businesses for outdoor dining or displays, and was passed with an 8-0 vote.
In May 2021, Councilmember Strauss passed legislation to extend the pilot program until May 31, 2022. The new extension to January 31, 2023 provides small businesses with the predictability they need as permanent guidelines are finalized.
“This is another meaningful step along the pathway to permanence I created last year after hearing from many small businesses about the success of café streets,” said Councilmember Strauss. “We will ensure that these free permits continue to be available until the City Council, Seattle Department of Transportation, and Mayor Harrell establish permanent guidelines that are right-sized and meet the needs of our city.”
The extension of the Cafe Streets program builds on Council’s support of small businesses during the pandemic. This includes the Bringing Business Home ordinance, which allows microbusinesses to operate in their homes; grants for small businesses through the Small Business Stabilization Fund; direct financial support for workers in the restaurant, bar and hospitality industries; and financial support for museums that were denied federal aid.