New Orleans Extends Program To Help Restaurants And Bars

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The City of New Orleans recently announced that it is extending fee waivers for the Parklet Pilot Program through Dec. 31, 2021.

The program has been in place as a reaction to the restrictions mandated because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

New Orleans Extends Fee Waivers For Pilot Parklet Program

Under the program, which was launched in the fall of 2020, restaurants are able to incorporate Curbside Dining and Parklets Pilot into their dining experiences to keep staff and customers safe.

According to the city, “This pilot is set up to enable restaurants and bars throughout the city to expand their operations into the public, on-street parking spaces. The pilot will run for as long as there are COVID-related occupancy restrictions in restaurants and bars. After that, the City is expecting to launch a permanent parklet program. Details regarding the transfer from pilot to permanent parklet program will be released as the permanent program is developed, but it will require re-permitting.”

Our small businesses — and particularly our restaurants and bars — are the backbones of New Orleans community and culture, and we know that they have been deeply impacted by COVID. With this permit, almost every restaurant and bar in the city will be able to have some outdoor space, which we know are safer than being indoors. The launch of the Parklet permit citywide is another example of how the City of New Orleans is creatively utilizing its assets to support our businesses, create safe spaces for residents, and activate our neighborhoods,” said Jeff Schwartz, Director, Office of Economic Development.

What Is The New Orleans Pilot Parklet Program?

The New Orleans Pilot Parklet Program has been set up to create safe opportunities for restaurants and bars to operate safely in the city.

Here are some things to know about the program.

Restaurants and bars are eligible to apply for the permit during the pilot.
Fees are waived during the pilot at least through Dec. 31, 2020.
Pilot will run for as long as there are COVID-related occupancy restrictions in restaurants and bars.
The City can provide barricades on a first-come, first-served basis, after which businesses will need to supply their own approved barriers. Barriers will be an eligible expense under the upcoming round of Outdoor Dining grants.
Outdoor Dining grants of up to $2,000 will be made available to interested businesses beginning Nov. 2, 2020.

How To Apply For The New Orleans Pilot Parklet Program

New Orleans restaurants and bars can apply for the Pilot Parklet program through the City’s One Stop Shop, and by email at outdoordining@nola.gov. Review the Pilot Program application requirements and a step-by-step overview of the process at the City’s website here, and view a copy of the application here.

Final Word

New Orleans needs its restaurants more than ever right now. And the only way to do that safely and responsibly is to cooperate together with business, city and health officials.

Remember that waiters and waitresses across the industry make less than $3 a day unless they receive tips, so please show your gratitude for your service.

Looking for more places to eat in Nola? Here Are Some Top Desserts To Order In New Orleans.

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Keisha Smith

Keisha Smith is a Contributing Writer who attended college at Southern University A&M College in Baton Rouge. She is currently writing a book on south Louisiana culture.