Boston's Outdoor Dining Program For Restaurants To Start March 22

BOSTON (CBS) -- Boston's outdoor dining program will start ahead of schedule. Mayor Marty Walsh announced that approved restaurants will be able to start seating patrons on some city streets and sidewalks starting March 22.

The program was supposed to begin on April 1, but Walsh said good weather has allowed for an earlier start date. The program will run through Dec. 1.

"Outdoor dining was one of the bright spots last summer and fall, and we've seen the benefits it has had on our neighborhoods: supporting local businesses, a safe and enjoyable experience for restaurant patrons, and an added resource for Boston's small businesses during this challenging time," Walsh said in a statement. "I'm thrilled we are able to start this program even earlier, and I look forward to businesses and residents taking advantage of it."

So far, Boston has approved 215 restaurants for outdoor dining out of 434 applications received since December.

A list of restaurants participating in the program can be found at boston.gov/restaurant-support