Access advocate Bob Triming welcomes council's new footpath dining policy

Council adopted the new Footpath Restaurants Policy in March with some of Mr Triming's proposals, including a two-metre wide pedestrian clearway for all businesses, branding conditions on wind breaks and the addition of no smoking signs to footpath dining areas.

Mr Triming, who also has over 30 years experience in the restaurant industry, said the new policy is a 'win-win' for public access.

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"The new policy ensures all businesses in town who offer footpath dining can operate under a universal standard," he said.

"It alleviates any previous confusion surrounding footpath dining and with many restaurants and cafes starting to reopen for diners, it could provide more incentive for them to add outdoor tables."

The previous Footpath Restaurants Policy limited two-metre clearway conditions to some sections of the central business district and Keppel Street, with others requiring a three-metre unobstructed passage.

Mr Triming said the adoption of a two-metre clearway will provide more clarity for businesses who offer footpath dining.

READ ALSO: Access advocate angry over no footpath to Bathurst Rail Museum

"There were many businesses who previously wouldn't have been able to provide a three-metre clearway," he said.

"This means more businesses will be able to provide this extra service for the benefit of all without impeding pedestrian traffic."

Council's draft for the new policy initially limited outdoor wind breaks to displaying the logo of the restaurant, but Mr Triming successfully argued the importance of allowing supplier logos [i.e. coffee branding] to be displayed.

"These wind breaks are often supplied by coffee suppliers, who often play a significant role in attracting customers to many businesses," he said.

"As long as the wind breaks aren't of a garish design and fit in with the streetscape, they serve an excellent purpose, and I'm glad council has come around."

Mr Triming said the new policy could be of benefit for businesses who are starting to welcome back diners after COVID-19.

"Those who weren't making use of the policy previously may now be able to add more tables around their business front in accordance with the two-metre rule," Mr Triming said.

The idea has also been raised by councillor Jess Jennings, who recently suggested council should waver fees for businesses looking to temporarily add outdoor dining to attract more patronage.

"It could benefit many hospitality businesses in the short term as a crisis management response," Cr Jennings said.

"This initiative could also have long term implications for businesses who haven't done it before, as they may see plenty of value in adding alfresco dining options to their business."