With spring well underway, what better time to visit the topic of sidewalk seating etiquette, when everyone we know is taking to the streets for some al fresco lunches and nightcap cocktails?
This topic shouldn’t be controversial—and in the grand scheme of things, it’s not. However, I’ve spoken with a couple of restaurateurs who worry that if patio etiquette is violated, they could be fined, or worse, lose their cafe sidewalk seating permit altogether.
Here’s how it works: If a restaurateur wants to offer sidewalk seating, they have to fill out an application with the Portland Bureau of Transportation. The one-time intake fee is $250, which must be paid upfront. After that, the city will send an inspector to the restaurant, where they’ll measure the linear feet of all outdoor tables. For that first year, the restaurateur will agree to pay $100, plus $12 per linear foot to the city. For each subsequent year, a renewed permit will cost them $100, plus $5 per linear foot.
Since you’ve gotta spend money to make money, that certainly seems fair—so what are these restaurateurs worried about?
According to one owner I spoke with, they’re concerned that a small group of people will want to turn two-top tables into a joint four-top.