Outdoor dining approved for Dewey Beach Country Club

The application for Dewey Beach Country Club, the final restaurant seeking approval to continue outdoor dining that began during the pandemic, earned unanimous approval from town commissioners Nov. 18. 

Dewey Beach Country Club attorney Blake Carey said he assisted restaurant owner Greg Plummer in establishing outdoor dining in May 2020, first using a rear-area space and, more recently, a front-area space for outdoor dining.

Carey said he submitted materials including measurements for both areas, approval from the property landlord and an older survey from the county. The restaurant has not had any incidents since it began offering outdoor dining, Carey said. 

The enclosed rear patio comprises a bench seating area for eight as well as eight picnic tables that seat six people comfortably, Carey said, and the front area has four picnic tables that also seat six comfortably. 

Both patios are handicapped accessible, enclosed by fencing and will not have additional bar seating, he said. His client will abide by all existing conditions and ordinances, Carey said.

Commissioner Gary Persinger said in order to be consistent with approvals granted for all other restaurants, the ordinance should include a provision noting that sufficient bathrooms must accommodate increased patron capacity. 

Carey said his client would go through the town building permit process to construct a deck for the front outdoor dining area.