Council has revised its rules on the use of public footpaths for outdoor dining, saying a new policy adopted yesterday is a good balance between providing a pleasant environment for users while managing public safety.

The draft Use of Footpath for Alfresco Dining Policy attracted 34 submissions when it was put out for consultation earlier this year and the Councillors made a number of changes based on the feedback received.

Mayor Neil Brown said some businesses that had tables on public footpaths would now need a licence to occupy, but that licence could be transferred to a new owner if the business was sold – something that was asked for by submitters.

Council also reduced the clear passage requirements for footpaths in Zone 1 to 2m, instead of the 2.4m proposed.

The current footpath rental fee for businesses for Alfresco Dining is $247 per year (compared to $235 last year). The rental fee is the same amount for all licence to occupy holders and set annually by the elected members
during the Annual Plan or Long Term Plan process.

Council will allow a grace period after the introduction of the policy and only begin charging fees for new licence holders from 1 July next year. The Council’s Property Team will start contacting businesses who will need licences to occupy in early 2023, to ensure the relevant documents are in place by that date.

“We feel that the final policy strikes a good balance between providing a pleasant environment for businesses and the community, while managing nuisance and maintaining public health and safety,” Mayor Brown said.

You can find the Use of Footpath for Alfresco Dining Policy here: https://www.ashburtondc.govt.nz/council/policy-and-bylaws.