The city is streamlining the process for area restaurants to reopen as long as they adhere to the governor’s latest executive order which limits openings to establishments with outdoor dining.

The city will offer individual consultations with building department workers to evaluate and suggest options, including expanding seating into parking lots or other areas around a restaurant.

The Bristol-Burlington Health District is making restaurant reopenings a priority to ensure restaurants meet State of Connecticut health and safety regulations associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.

The goal is for city officials and health department personnel to work as a team ensure all safety and health issues are addressed quickly and effectively, according to the release.

All restaurants must complete a free Temporary Outdoor Dining Permit available at https://bristolct.viewpointcloud.com/categories/1071/record-types/6457.

Better Half Brewing and Marilyn’s, two local restaurants, have already consulted with the city as they anticipated reopening.

Among city officials engaged in the process with owners of these establishments were Mayor Ellen Zoppo-Sassu, City of Bristol Chief Building Officer Thomas Lozier, Fire Marshall Elect Kristopher Lambert, Economic and Community Development Director Justin Malley, Bristol-Burlington Health District Sanitarian Erica Mikulak and Department of Public Works Civil Engineer Christopher Parrotta.

For consultations or assistance with the temporary permit process, please contact the Building Department at 860-584-6215.