The Midtown Motor Inn, which operates the Buzz Bar, has been given approval in principle to use two streetside carparks for outdoor seating.
Wanganui District Council's works and transport committee last week recommended the approval, subject to a copy of council's licence to occupy document being tabled at the next council
meeting. Councillors felt they needed to see this document prior to making a final decision.
Midtown manager Alan Stewart sought a permit to occupy a portion of the road reserve in front of his premises in upper Victoria Ave.
The space would be used for four tables, plus chairs and umbrellas.
Mr Stewart said with council planning to reduce the footpath width by about 900mm in the upcoming upgrade, it would appear impractical to occupy that area.
There was an increased demand from customers wanting outside seating.
Council officers had recommended the matter be discussed with the public excluded for privacy reasons, but councillors did not see this as necessary and Mr Stewart was comfortable with that.
In his report, environment manager Richard Munneke said officers were not convinced a licence to occupy was appropriate. The motor inn was located in the outer commercial zone where streets were focused on traffic movement. The area was not designed for al fresco dining and the environment was noisy, open and had minimal foot traffic.
Mr Munneke was also concerned about the precedent set if the road space was specifically designed for one use. Mr Stewart told the committee a licence to occupy the outside area would mean the business had more control. For example, minors and people refused entry could be moved on.
Cr Sue Westwood agreed, saying the combination of liquor and occupying licenses would be a strength. An in situ business should not be penalised because it was outside the CBD.
Cr Marty Lindsay thought Midtown's plans were a great initiative and the establishment had proven itself to be a responsible host.
