Good news: open-air dining allowed at south Delhi restaurants

In some good news, open-air dining has been allowed at South Delhi restaurants by the SDMC, after a proposal to permit al fresco dining in lawns and rooftops was submitted. The decision was taken on Thursday, in a meeting by civic authorities, the Hindustan Times reported.

There are however certain caveats. Only those restaurants with privately owned open areas or terraces will be allowed to have open air dining. Encroachment on public land and footpaths will be prohibited. Food, however, must be cooked in closed kitchens and not in open spaces. The open spaces should be used solely as a service area.

About 2,000 restaurants which fall under the SDMC jurisdiction must obtain a NOC, health trade licence and structural safety certificate, to enable open air dining.