News Flash

May 15, 2020 - Beginning today, Virginia restaurants are allowed to seat customers in outdoor seating if they already have approved sites. Those who don’t, and those who want expanded areas, can fill out a simple permit application that Hampton has created.

The city plans to be flexible in the use of city-owned areas, including blocking off one block of Queens Way and one block of Mellen Street. Restaurants in other areas can also request the use of sidewalks or parking areas. (If they are privately owned, tenants must have the owner’s permission.)

Restaurants who want to serve alcohol in the expanded outdoor areas would also need to apply to the Virginia ABC, which has also said approval will be an expedited process.

Hampton officials expect to act quickly on processing requests and will begin to block off East Mellen Street (from South Mallory Street to Hope Street) and Queens Way (Kings Way to Wine Street) on Monday. 

“City Council is very proactive and creative in supporting solutions for local businesses, as well as local customers,” Bunting said after the broadcast.

Applications should be filled out, signed, scanned and emailed to OutdoorDining@hampton.gov. Applicants need to include: 

• A diagram showing the location of the outdoor dining
• A copy of your capacity certificate. (If you do not have one, please call 311 to schedule an inspection.)
• If you’re applying for outdoor dining in the City’s street you will need a certificate of insurance.

Questions? Email OutdoorDining@hampton.gov.