Don't be fooled: Enclosed outside restaurant tents are not actually the outdoors, say experts.

Downtown Mall. Photo from cvillenewscom

With more cold weather approaching, local restaurants are installing enclosed tents outside. Back in 2013, the City had battled restaurants over using tents in an effort to protect "the historic character" of downtown and west main, but now, according to Assistant Zoning Administrator Craig Fabio, the City has provided temporary allowances for tenting of outdoor café spaces.

"The permit requirements address fire safety," says Fabio. "Additionally, each establishment must remain in compliance with the temporary restrictions put in place by the Governor’s office and the Health Department regarding occupancy, enclosed spaces and social distancing."

However, the recent guidelines from the Governor, as well as the City's regulations, don't specifically address the main concern that many expert have about outside tents and structures -- the need for proper air circulation.