Order: Worcester Restaurants Get Faster Outdoor Seating Approval

WORCESTER, MA — The Worcester City Manager has issued an executive order that may allow restaurants across the city to reopen faster following the coronavirus shutdown.

Restaurants across Massachusetts could begin offering outdoor dining on June 8 under Gov. Charlie Baker's phased post-coronavirus reopening plan.

In Worcester, restaurants typically have to pay $100 to apply and $156 for a sidewalk obstruction permit from the Department of Public Works and Parks. Augustus' order would waive both fees, and send restaurants directly to the Worcester License Commission for approval. The License Commission will also schedule more meetings throughout June to handle incoming requests.

Worcester will allow restaurants to use sidewalks, parking lots, and other adjacent spaces for service, according to the order.

Restaurants across Massachusetts have only been able to offer takeout and delivery since Baker's stay-at-home order went into effect on March 17.

Coronavirus is slowing down in Worcester and the state. As of Wednesday, the city had confirmed 4,259 cases, and 292 people have died at city hospitals. But the number of new daily cases has slowed in recent weeks. The city reported 44 new cases on Wednesday, but new cases had been in the teens for the previous few days.