(FALL RIVER, MA- August 1, 2022)- Just in time for the height of outdoor dining season, the
City of Fall River has released new guidelines for outdoor dining, with a streamlined permitting
process.

The latter is meant to make it easier for businesses, who are still recovering from the
pandemic, to create or enhance areas that will add seating capacity to their establishment. The
new guidelines, which include mock-ups of approved layouts, and the outdoor dining permit
application, can be found at https://www.fallriverma.org/new-outdoor-dining-guidelines-andapplications-for-fall-river-restaurants/.

In addition, applications are being accepted for a new Outdoor Dining Grant Program.
All Restaurants, cafés and other food service businesses in the city are eligible to receive up to
$2,000 for setting up outdoor dining at their establishment. To apply, a business must have all
the necessary permits from the City of Fall River for outdoor dining and related service prior to
submission.

The requested funds can be used for a variety of outdoor dining-related
expenditures, including construction materials, safety structures, furniture, and lighting. Grants
will be awarded on a first come/first serve basis as funds last; a total of 10-12 awards is expected
to be made.

This funding is available through the City of Fall River along with MassDevelopment's
Transformative Development Initiative (TDI) and is being administered through Viva Fall River
and City of Fall River Planning Department. The application for the Outdoor Dining Grant
Program can be found at https://www.vivafallriver.com/outdoor-dining-grant/.