Portsmouth accepting applications for temporary outdoor dining

PORTSMOUTH — The Town of Portsmouth has developed an application process for allowing temporary outdoor dining at restaurants currently licensed by the town, that will continue through Oct. 15, 2020. 

The specific guidelines and application process have been issued in an executive order signed Thursday by Town Council President Kevin Aguiar.

Restaurants may apply for the temporary expansion of their food service areas to permit the service and consumption of food in outdoor portions of the licensed premises on or after Monday, May 18. Restaurants with a current liquor license may also apply for temporary expansion of their liquor services area.

Applications for food service expansion may be administratively approved by the town clerk. Liquor expansion applications must be approved by the Town Council pursuant to RIGL § 3-5-17.

Applications may be obtained from the Town Clerk’s Office via e-mail at clerkoffice@portsmouthri.com, by calling 401/683-2101, or downloaded from the town’s website by clicking here. All applicable filing and inspection fees associated with such applications shall be waived, except for tent permits.

For those establishments with current liquor licenses, applications will require Town Council approval. In anticipation of a special council meeting, those applications should be submitted no later than noon on Monday, May 18, to be considered at that meeting.

If you have questions or comments, contact the Town Clerk’s Office at 401/683-2101 or ClerkOffice@PortsmouthRI.com.

Summer camps

Summer camps may be allowed start June 29 with restrictions. The governor announced Thursday that new guidelines for both municipal and private summer camps are forthcoming. If approved, campers will be limited to small groups designed to restrict interaction with the same group of children and adults each day.

Portsmouth Recreation Director Wendy Bulk is working closely with state and local officials to plan a summer camp program which will adhere to anticipated state guidelines and be ready to open on June 29.

Public libraries

Libraries will be allowed to offer limited browsing in the second phase of the state’s reopening.

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