Popular ‘streateries’ set to stay in Seattle with yearly fees for business owners

SEATTLE — Out of doors eating is right here to remain in Seattle.

The Seattle Division of Transportation introduced that it’ll proceed to subject permits for designated ‘streateries’; Seattle’s out of doors eating constructions.

Nonetheless, SDOT additionally introduced that enterprise homeowners should now pay a yearly payment for them.

Streateries have been initially accredited in Seattle as a pandemic measure however shortly grew in recognition.

“Earlier than we might’ve stated ‘who needs to eat outdoors in Seattle?” stated Joel Miller with SDOT. “After which we’ve seen that individuals are prepared to.”

Throughout the pandemic, the streatery permits have been free.

However this spring SDOT will implement an issuance payment of $1220. Eating places may even need to renew the allow every year for $588.

Miller says the payment helps offset the prices for SDOT, whose staff have to examine each construction.

The worth change comes as many eating places are already struggling financially; due, partially, to the pandemic and inflation.

“The price of all the things has been going up however you’ll be able to solely increase your costs a lot,” stated Seattle restaurant proprietor Chris Cvetkovich. “No one’s gonna pay for a 40-dollar hamburger at this level.”

Nonetheless, he says the streatery allow is a straightforward resolution to offset rising prices, because it permits eating places to serve extra prospects.

“Having the ability to add just a few extra tables to your restaurant goes to be the distinction between preserving your revenue margin a bit bit extra sustainable,” stated Cvetkovich.

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