City Hall gives OK to Outdoor Cafe Program for DT La Crosse

The concept of ‘outdoor cafes’ in La Crosse easily passes the city council. 

The two standing council committees and the full council met in special session Thursday, to fast-track the plan to help restaurants use outdoor space, during the spread of coronavirus. 

The ‘outdoor cafe’ program is intended to help restaurants which have lost business this year because of pandemic-related shutdowns. 

Council member Scott Neumeister, who owns a bar himself, successfully argued that the plan should be expanded to include taverns that serve food. 

Businesses taking part would be expanding their serving space for social distancing, but would not be allowed to increase the number of customers they’re allowed to have now.