Georgetown City Council voted to extend its temporary program that allows Georgetown Square businesses to expand into parking areas for socially distant shopping and eating Feb. 9.

The program requires the business owners to seek a permit from the city allowing them to take over designated parking spots for outdoor dining and retail space.

The idea was first pitched as a pilot program in August as business owners continued to face financial difficulty from the coronavirus pandemic and capacity restrictions. It was then formalized in September to extend through Jan. 30. Now the program allows new permits to be issued through May 31 that will be valid through Aug. 31.

The program is available to businesses on the Georgetown Square between Seventh and Ninth streets from Rock and Church streets.

Current orders by Gov. Greg Abbott require businesses to maintain 75% occupancy. For more on the order, click here.