De Blasio confirms Phase 2 starts Monday, announces Open Restaurants program
Mayor Bill de Blasio confirmed that the next phase of reopening the city will begin on Monday, June 22.
On Thursday, de Blasio also announced guidance for the city’s Open Restaurants program, which allows qualifying restaurants and bars to expand outdoor seating on sidewalks, curb lanes, backyards, patios, plazas and Open Streets.
The city has also established an expedited approval process by allowing restaurants and bars to self-certify their eligibility for curb lane and sidewalk seating. This will be done using a new application process at nyc.gov, which will be available starting Friday, June 19.