Rhode Island’s Take It Outside law was a lifeline during the COVID-19 pandemic, allowing restaurants to keep serving customers when indoor spaces were considered unsafe because of contagion.
Now, with Matunuck Oyster Bar in mind, state lawmakers are looking to expand Take It Outside to cover restaurants forced to close due to a flood, fire, or other natural disaster.
“This legislation is the least we could do,” said Rep. Carol Hagan McEntee (D-District 33, South Kingstown, Narragansett), sponsor of the House bill aimed to help Matunuck Oyster Bar after a devastating May fire.
Companion bills are moving quickly through the Rhode Island House and Senate, and could be ready for Gov. Dan McKee’s signature soon.
That means the South Kingstown oyster bar would be able to serve customers al fresco in the marina parking lot across the street, potentially saving 50 jobs and a popular summer tradition.
In a statement, the Matunuck Oyster Bar’s owner Perry Raso said, “This creative solution is a great first step toward welcoming diners back to our tables and keeping our staff working and earning wages during this busy season.”
