Tables and chairs

The issue of tables and chairs on pavements needs to be tackled quickly. Pavements are there, mainly, to safeguard the safety of citizens walking alongside the road.

If they are blocked off, as is happening in certain areas like Paceville and parts of Sliema as well as other localities, then pedestrians would then need to walk in the road. Who would be responsible for accidents involving vehicles and pedestrians in such situations? It would not be the restaurant owners, and it would not be the authorities for giving permission for the blockage of the passageways.

While tables and chairs outside are good for business and attract tourists, a restaurant’s or cafe’s business interests should never be considered as more important than the safety of pedestrians. Recommendations in the past have

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suggested keeping tables and chairs restricted to pedestrian only areas, which is not a bad idea at all. Although perhaps tables and chairs should also remain to be allowed as long as there is enough space for prams and wheelchairs to pass on said pavement, without the persons being required to step one foot into the road.

Some have argued that the situation in Gzira, Sliema and St Julian’s areas is now too far gone, and that it would be unfair to refuse applications to cafes and restaurants who apply for tables and chairs outside, given that so many of their competitors have been given the concession. The authorities should reconsider the concessions which have already been given should they take up too much room, and order their removal. The safety of pedestrians comes first.

Another issue recently making headlines was about tables and chairs taking up parking spaces. This latest trend is also a danger and causes major issues in an over-populated area.

Firstly, parking in many localities, especially in Sliema, and St Julian’s is already an issue. Granting permission for platforms to be built taking up valuable parking spaces is wrong.

In addition, cafe goers sharing the road with vehicles is an accident waiting to happen. The road is for vehicles. Seating people on what was previously a parking space, which forms part of the road, is firstly a hazard, and secondly not pleasant.

The authorities need to implement more stringent guidelines and stop giving up public walking space to businesses wanting to make more money. A restaurant or cafe’s commercial concerns should not impinge on your right to walk unobstructed and safely on a pavement.