There is a push to open some restaurants in Phase Two of the restart of the state's economy.
The New York State Restaurant Association, or NYSRA is urging Governor Cuomo and the state to allow restaurants to reopen for outdoor dining during phase two.
Currently restaurants are scheduled to open in phase three. Melissa Fleischut, president and CEO of NYSRA says "we are formally asking for expanded outdoor dining capabilities, an emphasis on social distancing requirements over capacity limits and allowing continued sales of alcohol to-go."
Fleischut added, "just about every restaurant in the state is teetering on the edge of financial hardship, and we need to do everything possible to keep them afloat."