Boston clamps down on restaurants near TD Garden ahead of NBA Finals game 6 over safety concerns
A heads up for Celtics fans hoping to take in the atmosphere around the TD Garden for Thursday night’s pivotal game 6 of the NBA Finals against the Golden State Warriors.
The City of Boston is clamping down on establishments in the vicinity of the TD Garden.
That means patio dining will be shut down as of 2:00 p.m.
Customers will be allowed to gather and have drinks on those patios, with no access to seats.
The city is also warning establishments not to allow long lines to linger at their places of business, once capacity is reached, as was seen ahead of game four of the series on June 10.
Establishments have also been ordered to cease allowing customers inside their premises at the beginning of the third quarter.
The advisory from the city’s licensing board was sent ahead of game 6 to “for all licensees within the immediate vicinity of the TD Garden (defined as the area by Causeway Street, North Washington Street, Merrimac Street, and New Chardon Street).”
“By 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 16th (additionally by 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 19th should there be a game that day) you must remove, or completely secure via chains, locks, etc., all outdoor patio furniture and movable objects located on your outdoor patio. All such furniture and objects must be completely inaccessible to the public by 2:00 p.m. on the day of any potentially championship-clinching game,” according to the advisory.
“This is a necessary measure aimed at promoting safety and order on the public streets during any championship celebration,” according to the city.
“This requirement applies to all licensees operating outdoor patios within the designated area, whether on public or private property, and whether the patio is permanently licensed or part of the City’s Temporary Outdoor Dining program,” said the city.
The city also indicated it will be cracking down on long lines outside of establishments, which have been prevalent at last home games.
“We also ask all Licensees to continue to ensure that you are within your allowed capacity, that lines of patrons waiting outside your premises are dispersed when you reach capacity, and that you remain vigilant concerning service to underage or intoxicated patrons,” said the city. “The Boston Police will be monitoring the city for such activities, as well as other license premise violations.”
Failure to abide by the city’s advisory could result in some stiff penalties.
“Any violation of the foregoing will result in disciplinary action, including, but not limited to suspension of license by the Board.”
The city tells Boston 25 that the measures are similar to ones put in place for previous championships.
Given the difficulty of the past couple of years faced by restaurants due to COVID-19, there is some anger over the move by the city to close the patios to dining so early before the game, and the potential loss of business.
Boston 25 News has reached out to the mayor’s office for a statement from Mayor Michelle Wu about those concerns.
Boston is down 3-2 in the series. Thursday night’s game is a must-win for the Celtics to force a game 7 back in San Francisco.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.
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