Portland City Council votes to end emergency proclamation, continue outdoor dining and retail The council voted to make June 30th to November 1st the 'Outdoor Dining/Retail Festival' as a way to continue street closures and outdoor dining permits Author: Sean Stackhouse (NEWS CENTER Maine) Published: 11:26 PM EDT July 19, 2021 Updated: 11:43 PM EDT July 19, 2021 PORTLAND, Maine — After more than 16 months in place, the Portland City Council has voted to lift the city's Proclamation of a State of Emergency and Stay at Home Order. The city council voted unanimously to repeal the proclamation that allowed city officials to more easily put in place measures to fight COVID-19 and also support businesses.