Denver Taking Proposals From Restaurants & Bars Wanting To Reopen Patios

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DENVER (CBS4) - Denver restaurants and bars are invited to submit their own reopening proposal under a newly-announced city program for outdoor seating. Mayor Michael Hancock says the new plan would allow the establishments to at least welcome customers to their patios.

The normally bustling Highlands neighborhood is idle as restaurants in the city are prohibited from having patrons dine-in for the next eight weeks, beginning today, on March 17, 2020 in Denver, Colorado. Restaurants are still allowed to offer takeout and delivery. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)

"While final rules and regulations are still in development, proposals could include expansion into designated outdoor areas such as adjacent parking lots, streets and sidewalks," the city stated on its new webpage.

Staff plan to review proposals immediately, and if an establishment is approved, it can keep patio areas open through Sept. 7.

Such patios must close by 10 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays and by 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, according to the city's conditions and restrictions.

Indoor use can only be allowed under public health orders.

Restaurants & bars need our help. We're creating a temp. program once sit-down service is allowed to expand options to operate in outdoor settings adjacent to restaurants. Interested biz owners can submit a proposal for review. Final rules & regs. are TBD. https://t.co/7EwB1hzYCF pic.twitter.com/h4AfRgFiPc
— City and County of Denver (@CityofDenver) May 18, 2020