Temporary Expanded Dining Application

Restaurants located within the Tuscaloosa City limits are eligible for this program.  Establishments with only an Alabama ABC lounge license are not eligible. 

A Temporary Extended Dining Special Event Permit is required for all extensions on public property or City right of way. Please review the policy before applying.

This may be possible, but a Temporary Extended Dining Special Event Permit application is still required. The decision whether to temporarily allow an outdoor dining area within on-street parking spaces will be based on parking demand, traffic speed and volume, and other considerations.

Yes, given that all food and beverage service continue to comply with applicable public health orders.

There is no application fee. However, businesses with liquor licenses will have a fee to amend their liquor license with the ABC board.

It depends. Each proposal will have unique circumstances. Generally, for businesses that have a liquor license, the outdoor area must be adjacent to the existing premises. Capacity in the temporary extended dining areas may not exceed 100 percent of the businesses’ original capacity.   

No. Businesses must provide seating. 

In most cases, yes. The outdoor area may include temporary tables, benches, chairs, and shade devices, as well as temporary railings. All furnishings and lighting must be easily removed. Depending on what you are installing, electrical or fire permits may be needed. Additionally, if the outdoor area includes public right-of-way, safety measures (such as signage, traffic control, and barriers) may be required to ensure safety for both patrons and the public.

No. Indoor restrooms must be available for patrons using the outdoor dining expansion at all times. 

No. Outdoor patios established or expanded under this program can only be used for seated dining at properly spaced tables.

No cover charge or private rental fee can be charged to access a temporary dining expansion area on public property.

Each table needs to be 6 ft. away from other tables as measured from the back of each chair.

Please contact Tuscaloosa 311 with any questions.