BRONX, N.Y. - Diners who had been limited to eating at home because of coronavirus restrictions are thankful outdoor dining is now an option.

“I’m in heaven. It’s beautiful. I like being here,” said Kevin Mason. 

What You Need To Know

  • Starting September 30, NYC restaurants can reopen their indoor spaces at 25% capacity

  • The City Council voted to allow eateries to impose a 10% service charge

  • The surcharge will expire 90 days after indoor dining resumes in the city

After months of banning indoor restaurant dining, the state and the city are easing some of the restrictions.

Starting September 30, restaurants can reopen their indoor spaces at 25 percent capacity.

On September 16, the New York City Council voted to also allow eateries to impose a 10 percent service charge. The fee is meant to help offset some of the costs and losses they have incurred during the pandemic.

New Yorkers who spoke with NY1 were split on what some are calling the "COVID tax."

“I think that the government is supposed to help them out, not the customer. Everybody is struggling. I’m out of work,” said Ruth Greaves, a diner.

“I understand how the staff has struggled. Being in this industry, we all know how things can happen. The 10 percent is minuscule compared to what these people have been through," said Chris, a diner.

The surcharge will expire 90 days after indoor dining resumes in New York City.

The Bronx Havana Cafe is one of the most popular restaurants in the borough, but the last six months have been rough. The owner said he spent $25,000 building the outdoor space. The seating has allowed him to bring back most of the cafe's employees. 

“Seeing so many people lose their jobs and not be able to take care of their families sucks. So it’s good to be able to give back now,” said a diner who did not want to give his name. 

The management at Havana Cafe is worried the 10 percent surcharge may hurt more than it will help.

“Being that we have less tables, the 10 percent will be a great help. We are concerned about how the customer will react to this. We are worried that’s going to make them not want to support us because this burden is going to be on them,” said assistant manager, Yrma Polanco. 

She said that being allowed to have 50 percent capacity indoors and start service at the bar again would bring more revenue than the temporary fee. 

It would help them keep their loyal customers happy.