PHILADELPHIA - The al fresco dining scene in the city is undergoing a change.  Starting from Monday, Philly will begin enforcing its newer streeteries program, requiring restaurants to pay a $1,750 fee, purchase a $1 million insurance policy, and adhere to other building regulations; those who don't comply may face fines.


The outdoor dining option was launched at the start of the pandemic last year; it was a lifesaver for restaurants during COVID-19 shutdowns and became very popular, with hundreds of inventive structures created around Philly. However, as of last week, no streeteries licenses have been given.

Some eateries have already begun dismantling their streetery constructs in anticipation of the new rules taking effect. Brenden McGrew of The Goat's Beard informed FOX29 that it would cost over $10,000 to abide by them; Nicholas Elmi from Laurel remarked on Instagram that the streeteries necessitated considerable investment and upkeep and found it "ridiculous" for these regulations to be modified two years later.

Keisha McCarty-Skelton from the Streets Department noted that enforcement would begin with more severe cases and become stricter as winter draws nearer. So, for now, we say good-bye to Philly's Covid-inspired street dining.