Woonsocket Radio News Room

 

Rep. McEntee’s bill extending outdoor dining at restaurants passes House

 

            STATE HOUSE – The House of Representatives today passed Rep. Carol Hagan McEntee’s (D-Dist. 33, South Kingstown, Narragansett) bill which extends the law that allows restaurants to continue approved outdoor dining.

            “The Take It Outside campaign helped so many of our restaurants get through the uncertainty and financial hardships of the pandemic and it has been embraced and enjoyed by the public immensely.  Now that the program has proven to be very successful, it makes sense to keep allowing this type of dining experience, especially since our local small businesses invested so much money to take advantage of the opportunity.  This bill will further enhance our world-renown culinary community for our residents and visitors alike while also supporting our incredible restaurants and eateries,” said Representative McEntee.

            The legislation (2023-H 5264A) would extend the moratorium imposed on the enforcement of statutes, regulations or ordinances by municipalities or state agencies regarding food service establishment alterations or modifications made in order to comply with the emergency declaration(s) issued as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic to February 15, 2024.  The previous moratorium was scheduled to end on April 1, 2023.

            “I am also working on legislation that will facilitate a permanent solution for restaurants that have invested in the take it outside dining program. I am consulting with all stakeholders such as the League of Cities and Towns, the Hospitality Association and our restaurant owners to come up with a permanent solution that addresses everyone’s concerns,” added Representative McEntee.

The bill now heads to the Senate for consideration where Sen. Alana M. DiMario (D-Dist. 36, Narragansett, North Kingstown, New Shoreham) has introduced similar legislation (2023-S 0300).

 

The Justice Department has issued a subpoena to the Federal Reserve, warning of a possible criminal indictment. Fed Chair Jerome Powell said the potential indictment comes from his June Senate testimony concerning renovations to Federal Reserve office buildings. He characterized the subpoenas as the latest attempt to influence the Fed and its interest-rate decisions.        President Trump says there are several options on the table for Iran as protests continue. Roughly 600 people are estimated to have died during protests in Iran that began over economic grievances, but have morphed into the biggest anti-government demonstrations in years.        The federal government says U.S. citizens should leave Venezuela "immediately." The security alert was posted online by the U.S. Department of State Consular Affairs. It comes one week after U.S. forces captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife from Caracas to face federal drug-related charges.        A man driving a U-Haul truck drove into a group of protesters in Los Angeles supporting protests in Iran. Los Angeles firefighters say two people were evaluated at the scene and declined treatment. Cellphone video shows the driver being punched as a group of people tried to get him out of the truck, eventually taken into custody..        Wildfires burning in southern Australia have destroyed nearly 900-thousand acres of forest north of Melbourne. Officials say the bushfires in the state of Victoria have destroyed hundreds of structures, including homes, and have killed one person so far. The fires were started by lightning strikes during last week's record heat wave that brought sweltering temperatures to much of Australia.        A suspect is in custody in connection with a fire at Mississippi's largest synagogue. The fire broke out early Saturday at the Beth Israel synagogue in Jackson, which dates back to the 19th century. The fire damaged some offices and several holy scrolls. The suspect hasn't been identified.       

Old News Archives