Bid to ban takeaways' chairs from busy route
CAFES and takeaway owners near Weston-super-Mare seafront could be banned from putting tables and chairs outside their premises.
North Somerset Council is considering the possibility of revoking the licence which allows cafes, fast food outlets and restaurants to place tables and chairs outside their business.
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The move follows concerns about the tables and chairs being a hazard to pedestrians.
With the opening of the resort's Grand Pier and the completion of the new sea defences and pier square, the number of people visiting the seafront has increased.
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Council chiefs say the tables and chairs in some areas – particularly parts of Regent Street – are causing problems for pedestrians while they try to cross the road.
Currently cafe owners and restaurateurs pay a fee to North Somerset Council for a licence to put their tables and chairs on the pavement.
If the move to revoke the licences is agreed, it would affect the stretch of pavement between the junction of High Street and Regent Street up to the entrance of the Grand Pier.
Currently anyone who has a licence to put chairs and tables outside has to have a member of staff outside at all times, working as a waitress and supervising the tables.
Two takeaways that may be affected by the move are the Water Front Fish Bar and the Mitey Bite takeaway – both of which have tables outside their premises.
In a report by the council it says that street cafes can make a positive contribution to the street scene and to the vitality of shopping and tourist areas, bringing life, colour and interest on the street.
But officers are questioning the extent and location of some seating and say that together with queuing from shops it can restrict movement for pedestrians, especially those with limited mobility.
North Somerset Council deputy leader, Councillor Elfan Ap Rees, said: "Over the last few months there have been a number of problems with tables and chairs on the pavement causing obstructions.
"We have seen a lot more people visiting the seafront due to the Grand Pier re-opening and the seafront enhancement works being completed along with the refurbishment of Pier Square.
"Some of the tables and chairs outside restaurants are reducing the area of pedestrian thoroughfare which is dangerous, especially with people needing to cross the road.
"The stretch which will be affected is from the junction of Regent Street with the High Street up to by the Grand Pier.
"We have monitored the situation over the last few months and have talked to restaurant and cafe owners about relocating their chairs as well as other different options.
"I do want to stress that it will only be a couple of establishments in this area that could be affected and the arrangements for the majority will remain unchanged."
Council chiefs will now decide whether to liaise further with cafe and takeaway operators affected to assess if there are any strong reasons to continue with the licences, or withdraw consent for outdoor seating with immediate effect.
Comments
by anoldun
Sunday, June 05 2011, 9:28PM
“So then, how many pedestrians are using the pavement in that area? Surely, a proposal to ban the tables and chairs on the pavement in that area would not have been raised if there isn't a problem, I'd have thought. Have there been any complaints made about the obstructions? Maybe the problem is only assumed. Are there any CCTV's monitoring the area?
Whichever it is, I believe that pedestrians should have right of way over and above the traders' right to trade on pavements. Purpose built areas for street cafes should be introduced, and then we can be compared with other European countries where it is a well established event.”
by sarahc72
Sunday, June 05 2011, 1:28PM
“The stupid thing there is that the stretch of road they're referring to is closed to all traffic except buses and taxis - you appear to get a vehicle down the road about once every 15 minutes - it's hardly a major thoroughfare!!”
by anoldun
Saturday, June 04 2011, 9:55PM
“It's horses for courses. It works very well in places where there is enough room for this type of activity. There is no need to ban all of it. Those businesses affected by the banning where there is a conflict of the use of pavement space should move with the times. Maybe they were allowed to do it in years gone by but now we see a need for them to change. In our shopping centre over the last 15 years we have seen the introduction of outside tables and chairs for customers to enjoy their meals and they do not infringe on the passage of pedestrians in any way. Of course, this is a purpose built shopping centre here, with no roads running through it. It is this which makes me suggest that there is a place for everything. I welcome the move to ban tables and chairs in areas where they cause obstruction. About time too! I'm all for it!”
by Photographer_
Saturday, June 04 2011, 2:53PM
“Weston gets a new Pier. The owners are obviously have on influence on local Council, and the man in the picture, Councillor Elfan Ap Rees, I seem to think he always has a hidden agenda for everything he's involved in.
What's more, for some reason, I feel this country is purposely trying to hinder any potential revenue gain for small businesses and where possible, penalise, hinder and fine where possible.
We are in Europe but we aren't quite in the same ""European"" culture where people DO sit outside cafe's and bars, socialise and to be honest, seem to enjoy that life style without any problems. Why does it feel that a 20ft wall in front of small business owners.
Give people the slightest chance to moan and they do.
It's a bit like cars giving right to pedestrians. Pedestrians seem to just walk out in front of cars without looking and especially on corners. The car has to stop almost causing an accident and then the pedestrian frowns at the driver...
I know what I would do. Wait for the car to pass me, because after all, I am much weaker than 1.5 tonne of metal...!!
So for crying out loud, let us live a bit of lifestyle that is a little more free from all the rules and regulations..
Live and let live..”
by test16041
Saturday, June 04 2011, 1:51PM
“'I think the same happens in Gloucester Road Bristol. " It does, indeed, BarryW. If the council wants to help pedestrians, why doesn't it crack down on pavement cyclists? Simple enough - if a cyclist rides on the pavement, confiscate the bike for a month. That'll stop them.”
by BarryW
Saturday, June 04 2011, 8:35AM
“In some places, Worle and Portishead for example, part of the area in front of the shops is owned by the shop. It is part of their trading area. The council only owns and maintains 2 metre wide bit. The rest was originally the front garden of the shop/house.
I think the same happens in Gloucester Roas Bristol.”