Pennsylvania Senate votes to make COVID-era outdoor seating rules permanent, allowing more happy hours • Pennsylvania Capital-Star

With budget talks ongoing, lawmakers have found a solution they largely agree on.

The Pennsylvania Senate voted almost unanimously Tuesday to make permanent outdoor seating rules for bars and restaurants put in place during the COVID-19 era.

The changes to outdoor seating rules date back to 2020, when much of the country went into lockdown and the CDC recommended only gatherings outside while maintaining 6 feet of distance. Many states, including Pennsylvania, have made exceptions to the rules that would allow bars and restaurants to seat people outside to safely maintain operations.

Bill No. 829 would make these changes permanent.

“These outdoor expansion areas have been a lifeline,” said Sen. Lisa Boscola (D-Northampton), who supported the bill. “Restaurants have found that these expansions are popular with customers and help their bottom line.”

The bill will also allow bars and restaurants to offer happy hour discounts for up to 24 hours a week, instead of the current 14.

The bill passed the Senate by a vote of 47 to 3. It has already passed the House of Representatives but will require a new vote in that chamber after a technical amendment in the Senate.