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Union County Provides Assistance on Outdoor Dining

New measure enables use of Union County roads by retail food and beverage services.

Union County, NJ – In an effort to help local businesses recover from the COVID-19 crisis, the Freeholder Board has adopted a new policy that expands opportunities for outdoor dining. The new measure enables municipalities to request a County road closure, or a change in traffic flow, for the purpose of outdoor dining. It was approved at the Freeholder Board’s regular meeting on Thursday, June 18.

Each request will be assessed on the basis of detailed plans submitted by the municipality. Traffic safety and COVID-19 prevention are among the factors included in the assessment.

“Union County assesses and authorizes temporary road closures to provide space for parades and other community events in normal times,” explained Freeholder Chairman Alexander Mirabella. “In this time of crisis, we hope that some parts of our County road network can provide space to help local businesses get back on their feet, and help restore our communities to life as well.”

As of June 15, food or beverage establishments in New Jersey are permitted to provide in-person service outdoors, provided they observe social distance and other COVID-19 prevention guidelines. The permission includes restaurants, cafeterias, dining establishments, food courts, bars, and all other holders of a liquor license with retail consumption.

“Union County residents have worked hard to drive the infection rate down, and we are confident that everyone will continue to exercise precautions as we expand our efforts to assist the business community during this crisis,” said Freeholder Chris Hudak, is a member of the Fiscal Committee and was instrumental in creating the new street closure initiative. 

The Freeholder Board’s new policy will enable municipalities to submit formal requests for temporarily closing County roads, partially or fully, for the purpose of outdoor dining at adjacent food or beverage establishments.

The policy is effective as of June 15 and will extend until November 30, 2020.

For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including guidance for the Test Center, visit ucnj.org/coronavirus-update.

For general information about COVID-19 and phone contacts for 24/7 assistance with questions, visit the New Jersey Department of Health at nj.gov/health.

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For all Union County programs and services visit ucnj.org, call the Public Info Line, 877-424-1234, email info@ucnj.org or use the online Contact Form.

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