Dine Out Lincoln Program Extended Through August

Published on March 31, 2021

Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird has signed an Executive Order to extend the Dine Out Lincoln program through August 31. The program allows restaurants and other establishments to temporarily expand their business footprint into adjacent outdoor, publicly- or privately-owned spaces with a streamlined application and no Dine Out permit fee.

The program had expired for expansion onto public property on October 31, 2020. Those operating the expanded dining area on private property were permitted to do so through March 31, 2021. This spring, many businesses are looking to re-establish their previously-permitted areas or create new extensions to establishments.

The program was created in May 2020 to allow businesses to serve more customers while still following the requirements of the COVID-19 Directed Health Measure (DHM). 

As part of the program, an outdoor dining review team has the authority to waive or amend code requirements relating to outdoor dining.  The team reviews and approves permits and can revoke them if issues arise that impact the public’s safety or access. Establishments also seeking an addition to their liquor licenses will need to fill out the appropriate State of Nebraska paperwork.  Links can be found at lincoln.ne.gov/DineOut.