Al fresco dining on Town seafront until October

The trial will see the land-side footpath between the Crown Pier crossing and Mora Restaurant used for outdoor dining between June and October, with a new walkway marked out with planters but not impacting on traffic.

The States has announced the move to support the hospitality sector, with the extra seating benefiting Gusto, Pingquay, Balthazar and Mora.

In a joint statement, the restaurants’ owners said they were excited to see The Quay enhanced.

‘For a long time locals and visitors have asked for more al fresco opportunities. Together with the States of Guernsey, we believe this proposal starts to deliver an enhanced seafront experience,’ they said.

Temporary al fresco dining has taken place during Seafront Sundays in recent years.

Environment & Infrastructure president Lindsay de Sausmarez said this had been popular.

‘Working with the businesses in the area, we hope that this initiative will give the public even more reason to use and enjoy The Quay.’

Planters will mark the edge of the temporary walkway and act as a safety barrier for pedestrians.

The cost of installing, filling and maintaining the planters will be met by the businesses involved in the trial.

Overnight parking and day-time unloading along parts of The Quay will be removed.

Economic Development president Neil Inder said it was important to revitalise Town.

‘This proposal for al fresco dining fully aligns with this aim, while also providing valuable additional trading opportunities during what has been an extremely difficult time for many businesses,’ he said.

A Chamber of Commerce representative said it was pleased the trial did not impact on traffic or pedestrians.

‘The hospitality sector is set to become ever-more important as part of the larger picture around healthy activity and support for retail and our Town,’ he said.

‘Identifying opportunities such as this which will add to the “feel” of the area is a welcome step in adding to the “experience” aspect of a thriving Town. We have previously called for a simplified and less costly version of permissions needed to operate al fresco.

‘Chamber will continue to devise and support initiatives which help all sectors of the economy to recover and do well in today’s challenging environment.’

Opinion Page 15