Save outdoor eats

The Post Editorial Board is spot on in its pitch to keep outdoor dining — with heaters — during the winter months ahead (“Blas’ Rx To Kill Outdoor Dining,” Editorial, Oct. 13).

Over the past 18 months, restaurants have relied on outdoor dining to stay afloat. The program has kept over 11,000 eateries alive, saved at least 100,000 restaurant jobs and allowed businesses to generate income. Despite our city reopening, the program is still providing immense support while restaurants continue to pay back rent and climb out of debt.

As we approach colder months, these heaters are necessary for restaurants to continue serving diners outside. And let’s not forget, the COVID-19 pandemic is not over. Eliminating New Yorkers’ ability to comfortably eat outside is just bad policy.

While there are aspects of the outdoor dining program that can certainly be improved, these propane heaters are not the problem. Restaurants and diners have dealt with enough. There’s no reason to prohibit these outdoor heaters.

City Councilman Keith Powers, Manhattan