Close to 35% of the city’s 26,000 restaurants are taking advantage of the Open Restaurant Program, but a group of Bed-Stuy restaurant owners believe the number could be higher if city restrictions were not stifling profits. 

Last month, News 12 reported that 20 Bed-Stuy business owners got together to demand outdoor dining. 

The Southern Comfort was able to install it, but it cost $3,000 during a time when the shop says it was already struggling. 

However, others are stuck. The Bed-Stuy Restaurant Association has a new list of demands with a hospitality bailout bill. 

Their proposed bill will consist of rent and utility vouchers, reducing third-party delivery fees, and amending an outdated zoning rule. 

Various business owners in the neighborhood created a video in an effort to convince local officials to make the change.