Many bars and restaurants that have reopened during the pandemic have been able to do so because of the option of outdoor seating. That works for now, but what is come when the weather takes a turn for the worse later in the year?

“Bar Rescue” Host Jon Taffer tells Spectrum News that eliminating the option of outdoor seating would be “devastating” for many, if not all, bars and restaurants relying on it to stay in business.

“It’s going to be devastating, especially if the vaccines don’t come until the wintertime. There are only so many heaters you can use,” Taffer said.

In his opinion, many cities around the country have done a good job thus far in allowing more outdoor seating at venues, but more needs to be done in order to make it a lasting option.

“I think cities have done a pretty good job in allowing outdoor seating, being flexible, getting restaurants to put a couple tables on the sidewalk. I think these things have really, really helped. City and state governments have to start looking at some options. For example, you’re not allowed to put a tent up because it is not defined as a permanent structure. You can’t put temporary structures up in most locations for hospitality businesses. I think that they can take a look at some of these rules in local municipalities as well as statewide, and create some flexibility to provide some outdoor seating opportunities with temporary structures and some creative approaches.”