Rules would allow sidewalk cafes

CLEARWATER -- Alfresco dining may soon be on the menu at city restaurants.

City commissioners on Monday discussed new regulations that would allow sidewalk cafes on public rights of way downtown and on the beach.

Meant to stimulate business and boost pedestrian traffic, the rules would include restrictions on amplified music and require restaurants to carry at least $500,000 in liability insurance. At least four feet of walking space would have to be maintained on city sidewalks.

Alcohol would be permitted under the new ordinances, which commissioners are poised to approve Thursday during a 6 p.m. meeting at City Hall.

On Monday, Commissioner Hoyt Hamilton said the rules, which don't permit sidewalk displays for retail shops, are unfair.

"To me," he said, "it almost discriminates against the retail businesses."

Hamilton said he supported the concept of sidewalk cafes, but his comments about fairness sparked a terse response from Commissioner Frank Hibbard.

"All things are not equal. That's life," he said. "I'm tired of everybody wanting tit for tat on every single issue."

Hibbard said other businesses will benefit from customers drawn to the area by sidewalk cafes.

The rule changes will be reviewed today by the Community Development board during a 2 p.m. meeting at City Hall.

-- Jennifer Farrell can be reached at 445-4160 or farrell@sptimes.com ">farrell@sptimes.com .

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