Around New England

Outdoor Dining Coming to Rhode Island

May 15, 2020

In Rhode Island, restaurants will be able to reopen as early as Monday, May 18 with outdoor dining.
According to the Block Island Times, indoor dining in the state will likely be authorized on Monday, June 1, but it is unclear when travel restrictions to and from Block Island will be lifted by then.

Outdoor dining will take place by reservation only and dining groups may not exceed five people. Tables will have to be at least eight feet apart and separated by barriers. There will be a limit of 20 tables in any given outdoor space.

Menus and utensils will be disposable and restaurants will use cashless and contactless payment methods. Chairs and tables will be sanitized after use.

The Block Island Times reports that not every restaurant will be ready to reopen under these guidelines when able. Most restaurants on the popular summer destination expect to re-open in mid-June – a few weeks after the season’s traditional start of Memorial Day weekend.