Jerry Smith, left, and Ben Magill from T&M Hardware and Rental in Harmony put up a tent June 12 at the corner of Main and Spring streets in Zelienople. The Zelienople Business Association is offering al fresco dining for patrons of local restaurants.

With restaurants still limited to half capacity, Zelienople diners will see more al fresco eating options.

Borough council June 8 approved a request from the Zelienople Business Association to put up tents and outdoor dining areas in Four Corners Park, at the intersection of East New Castle and Main streets and at the West Spring and Main street junction.

“We felt these outdoor seating options would be an asset to help (local restaurants) to be able to offer something to people that don't fit under that capacity,” said Matthew Edwards, business association administrator. “If they're at capacity and someone came in looking for food, they can say, 'You can order takeout and there's some seating that's nearby.'”

With tents going up June 12, the al fresco options give patrons the chance to enjoy eating around other people, rather than at their homes, which has been the case since state-mandated closures in mid-March.

“Maybe this will encourage some people to get their takeout and enjoy it in town and maybe walk around and support some of the other businesses that are here as well, rather than just getting their food and taking it back home,” he said.

Olivia Mawhinney, general manager of the Kaufman Tavern in Zelienople, called the idea “fabulous” and was excited to see the tents going up across the street from the restaurant.

“I think we'll see a good turnout,” Mawhinney said of the borough's effort to support local businesses. “People are definitely ready and excited to be getting back out and eating out.”

Mawhinney praised the borough and its residents for supporting the fledgling restaurant, which was limited to just takeout orders when the COVID-19 pandemic hit. The tavern opened for business just 10 weeks earlier.

In addition to food, Edwards said patrons will be able to enjoy to-go alcoholic beverages at the al fresco tables, but will be expected to enjoy them within reason.

“It is something we're going to be monitoring closely to make sure people are handling it responsibly,” Edwards said.

Because Pennsylvanians are still encouraged to practice social distancing under the green phase, seating and tables will be limited and diners expected to clean up after themselves.

Bottles of sanitizer and extra trash cans will be provided.

“We want this to be something that's enjoyable for everybody, and we want people to handle it responsibly — not only in the alcohol perspective, but also in keeping it clean,” Edwards said. “If people can all do their part, we hope this can be something that's enjoyable for everyone.”