Outdoor Dining Program
We are committed to supporting and growing Boston’s restaurants through the 2024 Outdoor Dining Program.
Building on Boston’s ongoing commitment to supporting restaurants, the Outdoor Dining Program will continue many successful initiatives from previous years. These include permitting, outdoor patios on roadways, and an online application portal. We'll also add new features, like outdoor dining consultations, accessible design templates, real-time application tracking, office hours, site visits, and annual license renewals.
The Office of Economic Opportunity and Inclusion has the tools and expertise to help restaurants expand their seating capacity with outdoor dining patios. Interested in expanding your restaurant to have outdoor seating?
Please reference the the 2024 Outdoor Dining Guidance to guide you in preparing the necessary documents and information for your restaurant to participate in the coming year! If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us outdoordining@boston.gov.
Please Note
At any time, the City, at its sole discretion, may enforce or revoke the permit as it deems appropriate. The City assumes no responsibility, financial or otherwise, for rentals or purchases made for patio extension. The City reserves the right to require that equipment and furniture be moved for any reason, including inclement weather or emergencies.
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Office Hours
If you require more help with your application or the application process, you can sign up for our office hours:
- Wednesdays from 12 - 2:30 p.m.
- Fridays from 9 - 11:30 a.m.
Overview of Outdoor Dining Program
The 2024 Outdoor Dining Program will begin on May 1, 2024. Apply by accessing the application portal.
In 2023, due to reasons including the North End’s high density of restaurants and foot traffic, narrow streets and sidewalks, resident parking scarcity, and other related considerations, the City issued permits in the neighborhood for compliant sidewalk patios, but did not issue permits for on-street outdoor dining. In 2024, the City intends to continue those policies in the North End and may craft additional neighborhood-specific guidelines as the program advances.
For any additional questions, please email us at outdoordining@boston.gov.
Map of Outdoor Dining Locations
Fees
Fees are only required for patios on public property for temporary and permanent approvals. We are not charging for patios on private property.
The fee structure is $199 per month for licensees with a Common Victualler (no alcohol) and $399 per month for licensees with a Common Victualler with alcohol (includes Malt, Wine, Breweries, Cordials, Liqueurs, and All Alcohol licenses).
The total fee for the season will be owed beginning in June for patio operation between May 1, 2024 to October 31, 2024. Licensees who are approved will be contacted when the payment portal is available. Licensees who do not pay may have their patio permits revoked. The City assumes no responsibility, financial or otherwise, for rentals or purchases made for the patio extensions.
Please Note: If you have any outstanding fees from previous years you will be ineligible to participate until those outstanding fees are resolved.
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Office Hours
If you require more help with your application or the application process, you can sign up for our office hours:
- Wednesdays from 12 - 2:30 p.m.
- Fridays from 9 - 11:30 a.m.
