And outdoor dining is here to stay in new Jersey.

Governor Murphy today signed a bill making it a permanent feature for bars and restaurants.

It comes more than four years after the idea was rolled out during the Covid 19 pandemic.

The permits had been given temporary extensions that were set to expire at the end of the month, but they'll now stay in place indefinitely so those businesses can expand onto sidewalks, patios and other designated outdoor areas.

Restaurant owners and advocates of the bill praised the option for being an economic boost to local communities.

Many said it enabled them to keep operating during the pandemic.

Patrons and residents liked the flexibility it offered and the way it transformed downtowns.

Governor Murphy today called the initiative a proven success that helped with the state's post-pandemic recovery.