East Providence Restaurants Hope Outdoor Dining Will Bring In More Diners

Restaurants in East Providence are hoping a new ordinance will help to bring more business to their eateries.

Mayor Bob DaSilva authorized and the City Council approved the change to help businesses that continue to be negatively impacted by the closure of the westbound portion of the Washington Bridge.

The expanded dining ordinance would allow restaurants to add up to 20 outdoor seats for dining between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m. without having to add more parking spaces.

Restaurants must also set up vehicle crash protections and submit for review by city departments.

(Photo by CHANDAN KHANNA/AFP via Getty Images)