With the state limiting restaurants to 25 percent of their dining rooms, West Palm Beach officials Monday unveiled a plan to make the businesses more viable by letting table service spill out onto sidewalks, streets, alleyways, and nearby lots.

The “Dining on the Spot” plan comes as the state eases mandates of business closings but seeks to maintain social-distancing and other hygienic requirements to prevent a resurgence of COVID-19 cases.

It could take effect as soon as Friday, city officials said.

Under the plan, announced at a mayor-commission work session, the Downtown Development Authority would shift money in its budget to lease tables and chairs for well-spaced use on Clematis Street sidewalks and parking spaces, as well as on nearby lots owned by the city or private sector. The street’s restaurants would extend service to the tables and be responsible for sanitizing them and making sure patrons didn’t drag them out of position in violation of social-distancing guidelines.

Similarly, outside dining would be expanded and spaced in restaurant districts on Northwood Road and off South Dixie Highway and the same guidelines could be applied elsewhere throughout the city, officials said.

According to the Palm Beach Post, Mayor Keith James expressed support for the plan, developed by a coronavirus subcommittee headed by Commissioner Kelly Shoaf. James cautioned that the restaurant owners would have to see to it that health restrictions were enforced, or the plan would be rescinded, as the city would not saddle police with that responsibility.

With the pandemic situation fluid, and new mandates coming frequently from Tallahassee, the city would have to adjust the program as it unfolded.