Bed-Stuy business owners call on local officials to make changes, propose bill

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.

News 12 Staff

Jul 25, 2020, 1:09 AM

Updated 1,508 days ago

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Their proposed bill will consist of rent and utility vouchers, reducing third-party delivery fees, and amending an outdated zoning rule.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