City says 'non' to bar's plans for Euro-style dining

FRIDAY, JULY 15: A Hamilton bar owner has had his plans for European-style pavement dining blocked by the City of Hamilton.

Rick Olson, who owns The Bistro @ The Beach on Front Street, said he was given no reason for the refusal.

Congestion

But the corporation has explained to the Bermuda Sun that The Beach already has outdoor dining and an expansion would create too much congestion.

The two parties will meet next month to discuss the matter.

Mr Olson said: “I’d like to get as many tables out there as possible, but I suggested one row, which is about two feet of sidewalk out the front.”

He said the sidewalk outside the bar and restaurant, at the corner of Front Street and Parliament Street, was particularly wide because of the pedestrian crossing to the cruise ship terminal on the other side.

“The city seems to be allowing this kind of thing elsewhere.

“It’s not just about getting four or five tables, it’s about making the place more attractive, for tourists and residents alike.”

But Edward Benevides, chief operating officer and secretary of the City of Hamilton, countered that the site — next to a pedestrian crossing leading to the cruise ship terminal — made it particularly unsuitable for tables.

He added that The Beach already had an outside area with a covered porch that was used for dining.

Mr Benevides said: “Given the amount of traffic in the area, we believe tables and chairs together with a means of cordoning off the sidewalk, would prohibit the free movement of pedestrians and create congestion, especially on the days when cruise ships are in Hamilton and foot traffic in the area is increased significantly.

“Mr Olson has asked to make a personal submission to the committee. His request has been granted and the committee will meet with him next month.”

Mr Olson said: “It’s certainly the kind of thing tourists want and it’s something you could offer maybe 10 months a year in Bermuda.

“We’re thought of more as a bar — but we have an expert chef and we’re doing a lot of lunches and I want to put more emphasis on the food side.

“Having tables on the sidewalk would create a more attractive environment for that and improve the ambience of the whole area.”

Mr Olson said he did not expect to be permitted to use sidewalk tables right up until the official closing time of 3am but he would abide by any conditions imposed by city officials.

He added: “I’d be happy with 10pm or 11pm for diners only — we would close it down and break down the tables as well.

Conditions

“I’m sure they’re probably worried about the problems it could create on the sidewalk, but if that’s the case, I would be happy to meet any conditions.”

Mr Olson confirmed that he had asked to make a personal submission to the city council committee that turned down his original application.