NEW HANOVER COUNTY — As phase two moves along and the economy begins to reopen, New Hanover County is making it easier for restaurants to abide by social distancing orders by allowing additional outdoor seating for patrons.
The state ABC Commission approved an order earlier this week extending ABC permit holders permits to additional outdoor seating, provided it was approved by the local government.
“We wanted to make this process as simple as possible, so restaurants could offer additional and safe seating, without each business having to contact the county for approval,” County Manager Chris Coudriet said. “However, it is a requirement by the ABC Commission that the permittee contact local law enforcement, so we’ve worked with Sheriff McMahon to make that easy as well – through a quick email notification. We are all eager to help our businesses and this is one step in that plan of moving forward together.”
The move comes after Carolina Beach made a similar amendment for restaurants in the town and weeks after the Downtown Business Alliance requested changes to allow additional outdoor seating for downtown restaurants. The City of Wilmington has still not made any official decision on the request.
For restaurants in the county, there are a few steps that must be taken before they can extend their seating.
“In order to temporarily extend a premises, the permit holder must receive approval from the appropriate local government entity, notify their ALE agent, the District ALE office or local law enforcement. An application for a temporary extension is not needed, according to the county.
“Given this temporary guidance, New Hanover County Government has provided a general approval letter for all holders of an on-premises ABC permit within the unincorporated area of New Hanover County. If a permit holder follows all guidance, this allows them to be able to include additional outdoor seating as part of their licensed premises. A copy of this approval letter, signed by County Manager Chris Coudriet, can be found here.”
The changes will not apply to businesses located within municipalities in the county, only those in unincorporated areas.
