A PLAN to allow for the expansion of outdoor dining in Huntington Beach advanced at Monday’s meeting of the City Council (Shutterstock).

You might be able to take in the sun while eating and drinking along Huntington Beach’s Main Street restaurant row soon.

The City Council on Monday voted 7-0 to direct the city’s development staff to create a plan that would temporarily allow more outdoor dining. The plan is intended to allow eateries and bars that are now limited to take-out and delivery service to expand their operations.

The proposal was brought forth by councilmembers Mike Posey and Patrick Brenden.

In theory, when some restrictions are lifted, social distancing will still be a requirement, which would allow such businesses to increase their capacity by adding serving space on sidewalks and private property.

Another issue is that the dimensions and other details of outdoor dining where liquor is served under the authority of the state Alcohol Beverage Control Department.

Tabled after a lengthy discussion was a proposal by Councilman Erik Peterson to declare all businesses in the city “essential” and allow them to re-open, despite state orders.