‘Al fresco zones could help boost eating out in Town'

Under Enviroment & Infrastructure proposals, businesses in the proposed designated al fresco zones could receive an express process to receive al fresco permits. The areas include the Sunken Garden, Castle Pier and areas along the quay at North Beach.

‘We don’t have enough areas for al fresco and providing it’s in the right place, it will give establishments more business,’ said Alan Sillet, president of the Guernsey Hospitality Association and general manager of Duke of Normandie.

‘I think it’s great that E&I are hoping to streamline and simplify the process and encourage outdoor dining in St Peter Port.’

Restaurant, cafe and public health proprietors could use land which is on the public highway for al fresco activities.

General manager of the Slaughterhouse, Jelena Smirnova, said that using the Castle Pier for al fresco dining is not something she had ever considered.

‘At the Slaughterhouse, we have an existing outdoor area, but it could be something for Randalls to consider in the future,’ she said.

‘I would definitely like to see people making the most of the space and with the weather becoming better, I think it will encourage tourists and cruise ship passengers to visit the area.’

St Peter Port constables Zoe Lihou and Ben Nicholls said that they could see some potential of the proposal, but logistically, some of the designated areas are on piers and in areas with no established buildings or kitchens.

‘If it were just picnic benches then I’d have no problem, I think it would be lovely,’ said Mrs Lihou.

‘But a lot of the designated areas are along the main arterial roads into Town.

‘If nearby businesses were to take on an area and they were crossing roads to cater for customers, then traffic would have to stop which would create build-up.’

Despite feedback on the al fresco experience along the Quay being generally positive, there have been accessibility problems for people using wheelchairs and buggies having to move up and down the pavement.

‘If accessibility is taken into consideration and it is not preventing anyone from doing their day-to-day activities then I can see the benefits,’ said Mr Nicholls.

He added that alcohol consumption was a lot harder to monitor in al fresco areas, but in a tight cordoned area with strict licensing it could work.

‘Like with the Quay, it would be a good idea to make it temporary and trial it then reassess.’

Mrs Lihou said: ‘If the States are planning on implementing more al fresco areas then they should maintain everything better.

‘The Sunken Gardens are dreadful, the benches are hideous and we’ve had complaints to the constables office that it looks grotty.’