The City of Hoboken COVID-19 Small Business Recovery Strategy permits businesses to expand outdoor space on the sidewalk, create shared outdoor spaces as strEATERIES and Parklets, and creates a framework for businesses to operate further into the street during scheduled road closures. As re-opening guidelines from the State of New Jersey allow for 25% indoor capacity, the City of Hoboken is proactively maximizing outdoor space for businesses to provide safe areas for customers. Learn more by reviewing the Hoboken COVID-19 Small Business Recovery Strategy presentation and Winter Outdoor Dining presentation. #hobokenstrong #lovelocal
Review the Winter Outdoor Dining presentation for a summary of all guidelines
Parklet and strEATERY permits currently expire on October 31, 2020. Permit holders must apply for a permit extension by October 15, 2020 and receive City approval to continue operating until December 31, 2021.
Apply for a Parklet or strEATERY extension permit to continue operating until December 31, 2021
Any strEATERY or parklet that has not received permit extension approval shall remove their strEATERY or parklet by November 1, 2020.
On 10/19/2020, the New Jersey Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control issued Special Ruling 2020-21 which authorizes extensions of the COVID-19 expansion of premise permits. If you wish to extend this permit until 3/31/2021, you must to do so via the NJ State ABC “POSSE Portal” https://www.nj.gov/oag/abc/posse/index.html prior to November 23, 2020. While you are under no obligation to extend this COVID-19 expansion permit, please note that if you choose not to all liquor service in these expanded outdoor areas must cease on November 30, 2020.
Download the MASK UP sign or NO MASK, NO ENTRY sign
If you are asked by a City employee to adjust some part of your outdoor setup, please cooperate, as we are looking out for your best interest and the best interest of Hoboken residents
Use the map below to locate a strEATERY or Parklet for outdoor dining.
The City of Hoboken COVID-19 Small Business Recovery Strategy permits businesses to expand outdoor space on the sidewalk, create shared outdoor spaces as strEATERIES and Parklets, and creates a framework for businesses to operate further into the street during scheduled road closures. As re-opening guidelines from the State of New Jersey allow for 25% indoor capacity, the City of Hoboken is proactively maximizing outdoor space for businesses to provide safe areas for customers. Learn more by reviewing the Hoboken COVID-19 Small Business Recovery Strategy presentation and Winter Outdoor Dining presentation. #hobokenstrong #lovelocal
Review the Winter Outdoor Dining presentation for a summary of all guidelines
Parklet and strEATERY permits currently expire on October 31, 2020. Permit holders must apply for a permit extension by October 15, 2020 and receive City approval to continue operating until December 31, 2021.
Apply for a Parklet or strEATERY extension permit to continue operating until December 31, 2021
Any strEATERY or parklet that has not received permit extension approval shall remove their strEATERY or parklet by November 1, 2020.
On 10/19/2020, the New Jersey Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control issued Special Ruling 2020-21 which authorizes extensions of the COVID-19 expansion of premise permits. If you wish to extend this permit until 3/31/2021, you must to do so via the NJ State ABC “POSSE Portal” https://www.nj.gov/oag/abc/posse/index.html prior to November 23, 2020. While you are under no obligation to extend this COVID-19 expansion permit, please note that if you choose not to all liquor service in these expanded outdoor areas must cease on November 30, 2020.
Download the MASK UP sign or NO MASK, NO ENTRY sign
If you are asked by a City employee to adjust some part of your outdoor setup, please cooperate, as we are looking out for your best interest and the best interest of Hoboken residents
Use the map below to locate a strEATERY or Parklet for outdoor dining.
Hoboken's Small Business Recovery Strategy includes flexible options to facilitate outdoor expansion by local businesses, and permits the following types of outdoor capacity expansion through an expedited approval process.
The application process provides general design guidelines for sidewalk cafes, stEATERIES, and parklets. Every application will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis to accommodate different locations and types of businesses. New applications for expanded sidewalk cafés, strEATERIES, and parklets will be accepted until October 1, 2020.
Parklet and strEATERY permits currently expire on October 31, 2020. Permit holders must apply for a permit extension by October 15, 2020 and receive City approval to continue operating until December 31, 2021.
State ABC COVID-19 Extension of Premises permits are valid through November 30, 2020.
Restaurants must abide by the Outdoor Dining Protocols and Process to Expand Premises for Liquor License Holders outlined in the Governor's Executive Order 150 and New Jersey Department of Health Executive Directive 20-04.
Daily outdoor sidewalk cafes can extend hours of operation by one hour on Thursday, Friday and Saturdays.
Sidewalk cafes can expand area with or without barriers, so long as 6 feet of sidewalk width is maintained. Businesses can expand outdoor cafes to adjacent properties with the neighboring property owner’s consent.
Tables in the sidewalk cafe must be 6 feet apart measured from backs of opposite chairs to promote social distancing.
Apply for a Sidewalk Cafe before October 1, 2020
A sidewalk cafe is the outdoor eating space that is on the sidewalk and is directly associated with a restaurant or bar. Parklets and StrEATERIES are in the street and separate from this application process. See applications for parklets and strEATERIES below.
License Renewal
The license renewal process has been streamlined for this year and the fees have been waived. You only need to submit the completed application form, confirmation of insurance.
If you want to expand your café area beyond where it has been in past years, either further out into the sidewalk or in front of a neighboring business (as permitted by the COVID-19 business recovery ordinance) you will also need to provide the following:
Those businesses that have already obtained their 2020 Sidewalk Café License will have their fees for 2020 credited to 2021.
Applicants who have not held a Sidewalk Café license previously must file a complete application and all of the required documents. The application must be accompanied by:
Sidewalk café fees are waived for 2020.
Questions? Please contact Zoning Officer Ann Holtzman at aholtzman@hobokennj.gov.
If you are a liquor license holder and plan to expand your café area beyond what is already covered by your liquor license you must apply for a “COVID-19 Expansion of Premises” license. This fast-track application is available on the State ABC POSSE Portal.
Your expansion of premises must be approved by theHoboken Police Department (Lt. Kucz), ABC Board Secretary (Suzanne Hetman), and the State ABC Division before alcoholic beverages may be served in the expanded area.
Questions? Please contact Lt. Kucz at kuczc@hobokenpd.org
Daily outdoor, shared public space that temporarily converts curbside parking spaces for outdoor dining where take-away food and beverages can be consumed.
Dining space must be separated from adjacent parking and travel lane using moveable safety barriers such as barricades, planters, bollards, or similar structures.
Tables in the strEATERY must be 6 feet apart measured from backs of opposite chairs to promote social distancing.
Apply for a new strEATERY before October 1, 2020
Questions? Please contact City Engineer Kim Craft at engineering@hobokennj.gov
Apply for a strEATERY extension permit to continue operating until December 31, 2021
Questions? Please contact Casey Wolf at cwolf@hobokennj.gov
If you are a liquor license holder and plan to expand your capacity beyond what is already covered by your liquor license into a strEATERY or parklet you must apply for a “COVID-19 Expansion of Premises” license. This fast-track application is available on the State ABC POSSE Portal.
Your expansion of premises must be approved by theHoboken Police Department (Lt. Kucz), ABC Board Secretary (Suzanne Hetman), and the State ABC Division before alcoholic beverages may be served in the expanded area.
Questions? Please contact Lt. Kucz at kuczc@hobokenpd.org.
Seasonal outdoor, shared public space that temporarily converts curbside parking into a mini-park as a platform extension of the sidewalk. Parklets can be used for retail or outdoor dining where take-away food and beverages can be consumed.
Dining space must be enclosed from adjacent parking and travel lane using built-in safety barriers such as planters, benches, walls, railings, and bollards.
Tables in the Parklet must be 6 feet apart measured from backs of opposite chairs to promote social distancing.
Apply for a new Parklet before October 1, 2020
Questions? Please contact City Engineer Kim Craft at engineering@hobokennj.gov
Apply for a Parklet extension permit to continue operating until December 31, 2021
Questions? Please contact Casey Wolff at cwolff@hobokennj.gov
If you are a liquor license holder and plan to expand your capacity beyond what is already covered by your liquor license into a strEATERY or parklet you must apply for a “COVID-19 Expansion of Premises” license. This fast-track application is available on the State ABC POSSE Portal.
Your expansion of premises must be approved by the Hoboken Police Department (Lt. Kucz), ABC Board Secretary (Suzanne Hetman), and the State ABC Division before alcoholic beverages may be served in the expanded area.
Questions? Please contact Lt. Kucz at kuczc@hobokenpd.org.
Outdoor, shared public space that temporarily close up to 3 contiguous blocks of specific roadways on Sundays from 9 AM - 8 PM and Thursdays from 6 PM - 11 PM (schedule may change).
Open Streets expand outdoor seating capacity for businesses with additional space, as opposed to congregating or a “block party.” The City provides required police, sanitation, and barricades for scheduled road closures.
Open streets for business build off pilot open streets on Jefferson Street , Park Avenue, and Adams Street to facilitate additional socially distanced space for pedestrians for biking, walking and jogging.
Apply for an Open Street before October 1, 2020
Questions? Please contact City Engineer Kim Craft at engineering@hobokennj.gov
Existing licensee must file for an "Event Permit Expansion of Premises" application for approval by the NJ State ABC. The area in which alcohol will be served/consumed must be gated from the rest of the open street. Security from the licensed establishment must secure the entry and exit of said area to ensure identifications are checked upon entry for legal age and liquor does not leave gated area.
Your expansion of premises must be approved by the Hoboken Police Department (Lt. Kucz), ABC Board Secretary (Suzanne Hetman), and the State ABC Division before alcoholic beverages may be served in the expanded area.
Liquor License Questions? Please contact Lt. Kucz at kuczc@hobokenpd.org.
Retail businesses and services can use the area in front of their stores to display merchandise during business hours. Any new temporary signage associated with the retail use shall comply with the Zoning Code.
No application is required.
Sidewalk café fees are waived for 2020, and those with existing 2020 licenses will be credited in 2021.
The City is exploring various options with the Hoboken Business Alliance and other groups to help subsidize the cost of the streateries, parklets, and open streets.
Mayor Ravi S. Bhalla signed an executive order permitting gyms and fitness clubs to utilize certain City fields, parks, and other facilities in order to facilitate safe, socially distanced outdoor workouts. The executive order was signed in anticipation of a reduction in capacity and limitations within certain gymnasiums and fitness centers during a gradual re-opening, and difficulties of social distancing in certain indoor locations. The City encourages fitness clubs to utilize outdoor space as much as possible for workouts given recommendations from the CDC.
Owners or managers of fitness centers can now apply to host outdoor classes of up to 15 people in certain outdoor parks and fields, with strict social distancing guidelines of at least 6 feet between each participant at all times. The gyms and fitness clubs utilizing the field space will, in exchange, host additional free Fitness in the Park classes for the Hoboken public.
Apply to Host Fitness Classes at a City Facility
Gym owners may apply to utilize outdoor space in certain city fields and parks. Each application will be reviewed by City staff on a case by case basis, with gym owners asked to provide additional information about the proposed outdoor workouts. Gyms will be restricted to certain activities given the requested location of outdoor space, and priority will be given for morning locations.
The City’s ability to accept any applications, in whole or part, is further subject to space limitations on the area(s) requested by the applicant, and any other unforeseen circumstances that may arise.
Questions? Please contact Director of Health & Human Services Leo Pellegrini at lpellegrini@hobokennj.gov.
Employees of any local Hoboken business are eligible for rapid, COVID-19 testing through the Riverside testing location in Hoboken. The testing expansion reflects Hoboken’s commitment to assisting small businesses with additional safety precautions in preparation for a gradual re-opening. Employees of Hoboken businesses do not need to have COVID-19 symptoms in order to receive a test.
To register for a COVID-19 test, the Hoboken business owner or employee should call the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) hotline in City Hall at 201-420-5621, Monday through Friday from 9 am until 5 pm to register for an appointment. Business owners can also call the hotline and provide a list of employees over the phone.
The Riverside Medical Testing Site is located under the 14th Street Viaduct between Jefferson and Madison Streets. Employees can either walk or drive to the testing site at their designated time. Proof of employment at a Hoboken business, such as a copy of a paycheck, tax form, or signed letter from the owner of a business, is required at the time of testing. If an employee does not have health insurance, the City will pay for the cost of the test. Walk ins are not permitted.
Riverside Medical has provided COVID-19 testing to over 2,000 Hoboken residents since early April. COVID-19 testing is available to all Hoboken residents with or without symptoms, with results provided within 15 minutes on site after receiving the test.
