Sidewalk or Roadway Cafe — Smoking or E-Cigarettes Prohibited

Smoking or using electronic cigarettes is prohibited within sidewalk cafes and roadway cafes pursuant to subdivision (c) of section 17-503 of the Administrative Code. The licensee is responsible for preventing smoking within the cafe perimeter.

• patron smoking a cigarette, cigar, or pipe at a table within the cafe perimeter
• patron vaping or using an e-cigarette within the outdoor dining area
• visible smoke or vapor cloud near seated diners inside the cafe footprint
• ashtrays on cafe tables

1. Photograph the obstruction from sidewalk level showing clear path width.
2. Capture any posted DOT dining license or permit if visible.
3. File via 311 under Sidewalk Café / Outdoor Dining, or use SidewalkSnitch dining analysis.
4. Describe how pedestrians are forced into the street or bike lane.

Official channel: portal.311.nyc.gov or dial 311. Agency: NYC DOT / NYC DOHMH.

DOT may issue notices of violation to licensed cafés; unlicensed setups can face removal orders and fines. Repeat violations can affect license renewal.

DOT Sidewalk Café Inspection responds to encroachment complaints. Licensed sites are measured against permit bounds; unlicensed structures may be tagged for removal.

• Outdoor dining violations