The inability to operate retractable awnings over al fresco dining areas on Eat Streat continues to plague bar and restaurant owners.
The issue boiled over last week after a contractual dispute between Sydney-based awning manufacturers GS World and Rotorua District Council sub-contractors Watts and Hughes Construction.
GS World retrieved all but one of the 12 remotes which operate the awnings from each premises, declaring they would not be returned until the company was compensated for its work.
CBK Craft Bar and Kitchen owner John Knight said he turned away more than 45 patrons on Saturday because he was not able to accommodate them outside.
"I couldn't run the risk it was going to rain and then have nowhere to put these people midway through their meal, so we had to turn them away," Mr Knight said yesterday.