Did we really need to shut down outdoor dining in the Bay Area? Scientists weigh in. FacebookTwitterEmail A pair of diners enjoy their meal at Wayfare Tavern in its outdoor space in October 2020. On Dec. 6, San Francisco shut down outdoor dining once again.Blair Heagerty / SFGATE It’s nine months into the pandemic, but it feels like we’re right back at square one: Most restaurants across California have once again been forced to shut down all in-person dining. Some restaurant owners aren’t having it. “To just say do takeout is literally laughable,” said Mourad Lahlou, chef-owner of Mourad and Aziza in San Francisco. “For me, the government has to do what it needs to do to protect people and make sure they stay healthy, but at the same time, think about the businesses, and think about the deeper impact this shutdown is going to have on people long term.”