Erie County Legislature Minority Leader Joe Lorigo’s resolutions in support of expanded patio dining and permanently allowing Erie County bars and restaurants to sell alcoholic beverages for takeout received the unanimous support of the Legislature Thursday morning.

This comes on the heels of Governor Cuomo’s announcement that restaurants can begin serving customers in outdoor seating areas as part of Phase 2. Legislator Lorigo supports the measure and granting bars and restaurants in Erie County municipalities permission to expand their outdoor dining areas to accommodate more customers.

Legislator Lorigo said, “I am encouraged to hear restaurants can begin serving customers in Phase 2 and I know many bars, restaurants, and residents have been waiting for this news. If these establishments are able to serve, they should be able to expand their existing patios or outdoor space to safely accommodate as many customers as possible.”

Legislator Lorigo’s resolution in support of permanently allowing bars and restaurants to serve alcoholic beverages to-go also received unanimous support. 

“Bars and restaurants have adapted to regulations set in place due to COVID-19 and part of those new measures is the sale of alcoholic beverages and craft cocktails for takeout,” Legislator Lorigo added. “Anything we can do to support these establishments and boost local restaurant sales should be considered. Governor Cuomo’s executive order allowing takeout alcoholic beverages for takeout is set to expire soon, and I am strongly urging New York State to consider an extension. Adults should be able to support bars our local bars and restaurants by purchasing beverages to-go.”