SAUGUS — The Board of Selectmen voted unanimously to formalize the town’s pre-existing regulations on outdoor seating.
Due to changes in requirements with the Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission, selectmen followed the commission’s recommendations that local policymakers vote on a set of “standard outdoor conditions for outdoor seating” for their communities.
“We could add more if we want to,” Board of Selectmen Chair Debra Panetta said before introducing the regulations. “But there should be some standard conditions.”
Panetta read into the record the regulations that the board has used in the past so they could be voted on.
Establishments seeking to set up any sort of outdoor dining will now officially be required to adhere to the Fire Department’s request that emergency exits be available for patrons and staff, and that the main building be kept clear and unobstructed so the department can easily access it.
Additionally, the regulations outline that fire extinguishers must be properly placed; that adequate protection from vehicular traffic, such as Jersey barriers, shall be provided; and that the Fire Department should conduct an annual walkthrough of the establishment.
If tents are being used in an establishment’s outdoor dining area, a flammability certificate must be obtained and the tented area must be free of heating devices of any type to avoid fires.
Establishments will also be required to receive a certificate for outdoor seating by Inspectional Services and must not exceedseating capacity requirements.
If an establishment seeks to alter its outdoor seating arrangements, it would be required to go before the Board of Selectmen to request an updated license reflecting the alterations.
