Outdoor heaters approved for Monterey wharves

MONTEREY, Calif. (KION)

On Tuesday, the Monterey City Council approved a measure allowing shops and restaurants to set up heaters outdoors to continue outdoor operations during the winter.

City Council was able to do so by suspending a part of city fire code that bans heaters on both wharves as a way to give businesses more outdoor operating space to prevent and mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

Some restaurants and shops on Fisherman's Wharf have already set up heaters to accommodate customers outdoors.

"“It’s really nice to have the heaters out here because it’s chilly, it’s cold right now. It’s nice to come visit and have options to sit outside and be outdoors, because right now with COVID, it’s so much nicer to see people, friendly faces," says tourist, Janeth Breceda.

As businesses continue trying to stay afloat during the ongoing pandemic, many business owners says having the heaters comes with some challenges.

"“The heaters we’ve got, the electric ones, they’re about $800 to $900. We have invested thousands of dollars," says Chris Shake, Owner of Scales Seafood & Steaks on Fisherman's Wharf.

“I was informed this morning by a Monterey City fire marshal that there had to be a five foot distance from where you can place the heaters away from combustible items, which is going to be problematic because people when they get seated they like to be warm, it’s probably not going to work for us," says Shake.

A worker at London Bridge Pub says the business is taking extra precautions as the winds continue to kick in.

“On really windy days, our heaters get the heat blown away from them, and not so much let the heat get down to the table. We also have fire pit tables and sometimes the fires lick out a little bit too far," says Sebastian Berlanga.

KION has reached out to local fire officials for more details on enforcements and what is now allowed.

Businesses say they are grateful they can continue operating outdoors.