UPDATE: Urban Council approves plan to continue expanded outdoor seating

Expanded space has proved popular with customers, been good financially for many

UPDATE POSTED 5:45 P.M. TUESDAY, DEC. 7, 2021

LEXINGTON, Ky. (WTVQ) – Restaurants, bars and cafes in the city will continue to be able to use expanded outdoor seating space in Lexington.

The Urban Councty Council approved Tuesday night a plan that includes spaces on patios, sidewalks, greenspaces and parking lots that helped the businesses expand capacities during the pandemic restrictions.

They have become popular at many businesses.

But starting early next year, businesses will have to again apply for permits like they did prior to the COVID outbreak.

ORIGINAL STORY POSTED NOV. 30, 2021

LEXINGTON, Ky. (WTVQ) – Lexington bars and restaurants will continue to be able to use sidewalks, patios and parking spaces for seating.

They’ll just have to get permission like they used to.

The city plans to extend the popular outdoor patio, parking lot and sidewalk seating implemented during the pandemic to help businesses survive the pandemic financially.

But they’ve turned out to be popular with customers and many businesses. The expanded space also has been profitable for many. To make sure it has a handle on the new spaces, the city is going to start making businesses go through a simple permitting process early next year.

It’ll be much like the process in place prior to the pandemic.