Easing congestion on public footpaths, where pedestrians have to compete with outdoor tables and chairs, is one of several amendments revealed recently in an updated council policy. 

The council’s revised tables and chairs policy, which grants licences to businesses to occupy and use public land for their customers, might make it a little harder for some businesses to renew their licenses in the future but should prove beneficial for pedestrians.

Concerns have been raised with the Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) about restaurants, bars and cafes utilising outdoor furniture and impeding other footpath users.

Under the Tables and Chairs in Public Space Policy (2006), licences were issued if there was a minimum 1.5m width between the tables and chairs and the kerbside, allowing for unobstructed pedestrian movement, but under the revised 2020 policy this minimum width has been doubled to three metres. 

“It is essential that our primary thoroughfare areas flow well and aren’t congested,” QLDC councillor Quentin Smith said. “This is particularly important for wheelchair users, pushchairs and the increasing number of bikes and scooters that share these spaces.”  

The 2020 policy, which was approved unanimously by elected members at last week’s council meeting (October 8), “doesn’t remove existing licenses but would make it harder for some business to get new licenses”, Quentin said.  

The Doughbin Bakery was a recent example where seating had to be limited “but a balance was struck”, he said.  

“But Big Fig and the Trout Bar are examples that would struggle under the new rule if they were a new license application,” Quentin said.  

New table and chairs licenses would probably struggle on Helwick Street because of insufficient width.

“Ultimately, if we want more outdoor seating we will need to build wider pavements.” 

Another significant change to the 2020 policy is the decision to remove the 10:00pm rule which was described by deputy mayor Calum Macleod as a “fractious issue”. 

A condition in the 2006 version did not permit alcohol to be served or consumed in leased table and chair areas after 10:00pm. Even though the business had a liquor licence and resource consent, after 10:00pm customers were required to move inside if they were drinking. 

The inconsistency between businesses which had outdoor seating on private land operating alongside businesses leasing public land was also causing conflict.

Requiring responsible restaurant and bar staff to order their patrons inside at 10 o’clock caused “insane friction”, Calum said, and he applauded the recommendation to remove this condition. 

Licenced outdoor consumption of alcohol will now simply be addressed by Alcohol Licence and District Plan requirements.

Businesses granted licences under the tables and chairs policy will now also have to abide by any future QLDC smokefree and vapefree policies. Currently, smoking is permitted outdoors but licence holders must manage the containment and disposal of cigarette butts. 

The policy will be next reviewed in 2023.

PHOTO: Wanaka App