New York City lawmakers and business leaders are ramping up pressure to bring back the city’s year-round outdoor dining program as businesses get ready to take down their set-ups ahead of winter.

Supporters of expanding outdoor dining were expected to rally Monday before a City Council oversight hearing, where lawmakers were scheduled to discuss legislation that aims to make it easier for restaurateurs to get permits and eliminate the seasonal pause on roadway cafes.

But the legislation, which was introduced earlier this fall, wouldn’t be enacted in time for businesses to legally keep their structures up this winter, since the current season ends Nov. 29.

Outdoor dining in the city surged during the COVID-19 pandemic, when officials created an emergency program that loosened restricti

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