The owner of a cafe that opened during the pandemic fears her business may not survive if their outdoor tables are removed. The cafe is one of many across Bristol told by the city council to remove outdoor seating as the temporary legislation introduced by the government in 2020 during the pandemic comes to an end.
Catalina Banados, who shares Cafe 5 with an Italian food business in Bruce Road, Easton has worked in restaurants and cafes in Bristol for the past 20 years and always dreamt of opening her own cafe. But she told Bristol Live that business is slow in the winter as the cafe, which a converted shipping container, does not have any space for indoor seating.
With the support of neighbours and the local ward councillor for Easton Barry Parsons, hundreds of people have written testimonials of the value the cafe brings to their lives. And they have plans to submit a petition to the council, which has so far not accepted it, saying the decision to remove the seating is not within its power or influence.
READ MORE: Cafe in Easton could be forced to close after ban on outdoor seating
But Cllr Parsons has disputed the council’s claim that the decision is out of its hands and is challenging the rejection of the petition. According to Cllr Parsons, the actions that would be required to save Cafe 5 'are powers that the local authority holds', like making a Traffic Regulation Order and granting a Pavement Licence.
Esther Campbell, a neighbour who lives close to Cafe 5 on Bruce Road, asked people to email their support and within a few days she had almost 400 emails. “I asked some neighbours for testimonials on what the cafe brings to the community. I thought we would get ten over a weekend but we got 400,” explained Esther.
Esther, a regular at the cafe, said that she believes that the two businesses that operate from the space offer a lot to the community.
She said: “A cafe, particularly one which is outdoors, is crucial so we can still be together in a safe way. Lots of people are still shielding. Lots of people are still nervous about Covid and coughs and colds.
“To have a cafe which is outdoors where you can see your neighbours and check in with them also makes it a safer place and reduces crime. For the sake of two car spaces it seems really disingenuous and the cafe can’t survive without the outdoor space.”
Cllr Parsons said: “It would be incredibly regressive to turn this lovely little space back into yet more vehicle parking. Bristol has a history of finding new ways of using our public space; we pioneered play streets orders, which give children space to play right outside their own front door.
“Our Citizens' Assembly recommended transferring road and parking spaces to walking, cycling and greenery. But now we are going backwards just as other councils turn parking spaces into parklets and seating areas."
Owner Catalina said: “We sent off for a permit but it was rejected. The council hasn’t said exactly when we have to remove the tables yet. "
Bristol City Council has been approached for a comment. Other businesses have raised similar concerns since the outdoor seating allowance was lifted, including The Coronation pub and the Bristol Association of Restaurants, Bars and Independents.
Previously the council has said that the issue is out of its control, as the changes are the result of national government rules. In October, Bristol mayor Marvin Rees had said they were "sympathetic" but have to work within the "restrictions" presented by Central Government.
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