A popular fish and chip shop in Weston-super-Mare has been instructed to remove its picnic tables following concerns that they could be used as weapons during late-night hours. Michelle Michael, owner of the Waterfront Fish Bar and the Grand Pier, faced opposition from local police and North Somerset Council over the blue picnic benches placed outside the restaurant on Regent Street.
The heavy picnic tables, purchased to provide seating on the pedestrianised area, cannot be easily moved or stored overnight due to the small size of the restaurant’s premises. Police raised concerns that furniture left out late at night could pose a risk, especially as it might be used by intoxicated individuals to cause harm. Licensing officer Andy Manhire told a council hearing: “Any furniture that’s left can be used as weapons during the high risk late hours. They could be thrown or moved, thereby causing a danger to pedestrians or vehicles.”
Ms. Michael countered that the recycled plastic tables weigh around 100 kg each, making them too heavy to be thrown. She also highlighted the lack of any history of antisocial behavior involving the furniture since the business opened in 2010. She further noted lighter picnic tables used by nearby establishments like Bistrot Pierre, which are situated on private property and thus not subject to the same restrictions.
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Despite her arguments, North Somerset Council’s licensing subcommittee sided with the police, deciding not to lift the condition requiring the tables to be removed overnight. Councillor Peter Burden, chairing the committee, stated: “We have decided that we are not going to accept the request and the condition will stand.” The council plans to delay enforcement to allow the Waterfront Fish Bar time to find alternative arrangements.
Adding to the challenges, new council regulations expected to come into effect in January will ban picnic tables that are not accessible to wheelchair users, potentially impacting the future use of this type of street furniture.