An Act relative to local opt-in for permanent outdoor dining

This bill allows Massachusetts cities and towns to approve permanent outdoor dining areas for restaurants without needing a state-level special permit. It specifically enables local licensing authorities to expand existing outdoor seating or change how alcohol is served outside a restaurant building. The law defines outdoor table service as food prepared on-site and served to seated diners in outdoor spaces like patios or sidewalks. By shifting the approval power to local governments, the legislation gives municipalities the ability to decide which restaurants can permanently operate in outdoor dining zones.