Rochester delays outdoor dining decision as restaurants push back

By: Kyle Stucker, Fosters Daily Democrat

ROCHESTER — The City Council voted Tuesday to table proposed changes to Rochester’s outdoor dining ordinance.
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The proposed changes, some of which drew concerns from councilors and business owners earlier this month, will now go back for additional review at the Codes and Ordinances Committee’s Feb. 4 meeting.

Ahead of Tuesday’s unanimous vote to table the changes, Mayor Caroline McCarley suggested the tabling so the committee can “look at staff recommendations and business owner recommendations.”

Some city councilors and business owners have raised concerns about a provision that won’t allow canopies, tents and coverings over dining areas, as well as a provision that denies “live entertainment of any type” without referencing the fact the city will continue to have a special event permit process to allow and regulate that activity.

Click here to read the full article on fosters.com.