Westport businesses open as outdoor cafes beginning Friday

City approval has allowed streets in Westport to be closed starting Friday and ending Sunday to allow businesses to use the space for weekend cafes in an effort to help them bounce back from the financial effects of COVID-19.

The street closures will occur every Friday through Sunday this summer for restaurants and businesses to use to serve additional guests and increase revenue, according to a news release from Westport KC.

“By the city allowing our local small businesses to temporarily extend their premises on the sidewalks and streets, many businesses can now break even while following with the social distancing mandates,” said Franklin Kimbrough, Executive Director of the Westport Regional Business League in the release.

Businesses will be expected to continue following the city’s safety and social distancing measures.

“This innovative policy change is good for job retention, local business survival, and the city’s tax base,” Kimbrough said.

According to the release, Westport will close certain blocks of Pennsylvania Avenue, Archibald Street, and Westport Alley Friday through Sunday and the district will decide which blocks to close on a weekly basis depending on the number of businesses participating. Streets in the entertainment district will remain open Monday through Thursday.