EASTON, Pa. – Easton City Council approved its 2026 outdoor dining program guidelines during Wednesday night’s meeting

The city established the program in phases June 1, 2020. That program has now “evolved into an economic development for warmer months while encouraging greater sociability.”

The program involves paying the city money through a permit fee. Applicants will be permitted access to public, on-street parking spaces for the purpose of allowing permitted restaurants to use the area for extended, outdoor seating. Applicants are limited to the parking space directly in front of, or adjacent to their physical location, although they can apply for two spaces.

There are two tiers of application fees. Businesses that sell food and non-alcoholic beverages will pay $3,000. For businesses selling food and alcoholic beverages, the fee is $4,000. Because the fees are based in part on lost parking revenue, there will be a $1,000 discount to applicants whose street parking spaces are unmetered.

“I have concerns about enforcement, but I’m hoping we have a smooth program this year,” Councilmember Crystal Rose.

“I like the outdoor dining program…and I hope we have a good year,” Councilmember Frank Pintabone said.

The program begins May 1 and concludes Oct. 25.

Pub crawl ordinance

In other news, Mayor Sal Panto said during his report that he would be introducing a “pub crawl ordinance,” likely in April.

The ordinance “would charge people for extra police protection.” The mayor said “we have people running these pub crawls that are making a lot of money.” The events, Panto said, results in “a lot of havoc downtown.”

Details on the ordinance were limited Wednesday night, but Panto said the charge would not rise to the level imposed by Hoboken, New Jersey, which is $3,000.

Grant for traffic signals

CIty Council authorized the city’s department of community and economic development to apply for a Green Light-Go grant. Should the city receive the money, it would be used to upgrade downtown traffic signals. The grant is worth $99,700, and the city would be required to provide a 20% match worth $24,925.

Bridge inspection

The legislative body approved a contract for trail bridge inspection services for various structures in Hugh Moore Park. The deal, with Traffic Planning & Design, is worth $9,000.