NYC Council Introduction 655

intro.nyc/0655-2026 2026-2029 Legislative Session
Expanding access to roadway and sidewalk cafes.
Status: Committee Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure
Sponsored by Lincoln Restler
Introduced: February 12, 2026

This bill would expand the City’s outdoor dining program by allowing grocery stores to apply for a sidewalk cafe license, removing seasonal restrictions on roadway cafe operation, and providing the option to expand frontage for certain cafes upon consent. This bill would also streamline the review process for restaurants applying to operate a sidewalk or roadway cafe.