Back to Foodservice Requirements

All restaurants, bars, and other similar establishments that sell food and beverages for on-site consumption in Montgomery County are permitted to serve customers in outdoor seating areas after completing an easy registration process with the County. The County’s goal is to make this process as easy as possible so that restaurants can provide outdoor dining in a safe and responsible way. 

Easy Steps for Outdoor Dining for printing (PDF)

Scenario #1

If your facility is currently permitted to have outdoor dining/alcohol service and you simply want to reopen this service under the new guidelines:

1. Register your establishment’s interest in providing outdoor dining under the COVID-19 guidelines with the County’s Department of Permitting Services.
2. Review Montgomery County’s Reopening Restaurants Checklist and follow the recommendations.

Scenario #2

If you are currently permitted for dining/alcohol service and wish to modify your existing space or create a new outdoor area, you will need to:

1. Register your establishment’s interest in providing outdoor dining under the COVID-19 guidelines with the County’s Department of Permitting Services.
2. Review Montgomery County’s Reopening Restaurants Checklist and follow the recommendations.
3. Apply for a “Temporary Business Modification” (extended outdoor space) with the County’s Alcohol Beverage Services unit.

Outdoor Dining Registration and Temporary Business Modifications will be in effect the day of application! A County representative will be in touch after your submission to offer assistance. 

Scenario #3

If you are a property owner, business organization, or group of businesses interested in creating “streeteries,” communal dining areas, temporary consumption areas, dining in public spaces and the like, please send an email to outdoordiningcovid19@montgomerycountymd.gov and we will be happy to guide you through this process.