As New York City come alive this spring, outdoor dining has its a grand reopening starting today. No joke and no fooling. NYC’s Department of Transportation (DOT) approved approximately 2,600 establishments to operate on roadways or sidewalks, with the season officially kicking off on April 1.
The DOT commissioner was on NY1 to discuss outdoor dining. NY1’s reporters were all over the city showing locations now open for business.
Regulatory Changes
Despite many restaurants receiving the green lig ht to start building, hundreds face mounting pressure to offer a complete dining experience as they have not been approved to serve liquor. Of the approved 617 roadwaycafes, only seven have approved liquor licenses. That’s because the state liquor authority is “assessing the impact” of these conditional approvals for outdoor and roadway dining and how it issues liquor licenses.
With the weather still cool and windy and this delay on liquor licensing there’s still time for restaurant owners to prepare for robust spring and summer business.
The resurgence of outdoor dining brings with it a set of new regulations aimed at ensuring safety and cleanliness. The DOT mandated that barriers outside dining areas be filled with water instead of sand, addressing suggestions that sand-filled barriers previously attracted rodents. Additionally, structures must have floors that can be lifted for easy cleaning, minimizing food debris that could serve as a feast for pests.
However, despite these well-intentioned measures, the reality is that rodents are resourceful and persistent. These outdoor dining setups will still attract these unwelcome guests. Our experience is that that rats seek food, shelter, and water – and the hollow floors of street cafes offer places for rats to get dropped food and garbage that may accumulate, find shelter under the floorboards, and drink water from any puddles that accumulate and take longer to evaporate or drain.
Proactive Pest Control Steps for Restaurant Owners
To complement NYC’s efforts and safeguard your restaurant’s reputation, we recommend the following steps:
- Enhanced Waste Management: Store waste in hard plastic or metal cans with tight-fitting lids.
- Regular Inspections: Conduct daily inspections of your premises and incoming supplies to identify and address potential pest entry points. Seal any cracks, gaps, or holes promptly.
- Collaborate with Pest Control Professionals: Engage capable and licensed pest management experts to establish a comprehensive pest control plan tailored to your outdoor dining setup. Regular monitoring and maintenance are keys to solving and preventing infestations.
- Staff Training: Educate your team on the importance of cleanliness and vigilance in identifying signs of rodent activity. A well-informed staff can act as the first line of defense against potential infestations.
As we embrace the joys of outdoor dining, let’s not forget the age-old adage: “Don’t let the rats have a seat at your table.” By staying proactive and attentive, restaurants can ensure that our guests enjoy their meals without any unwanted companions.
For an evaluation of your pest control needs and risks, please contact Bell Environmental, we’re here to help.
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