Macomb, IL – Macomb aldermen are backing off the idea of charging a permit fee for sidewalk cafes.
The city had talked about charging $100 for the permit, but aldermen dropped the proposal Monday night. City council members say they've heard nothing but opposition to the idea and agreed it would be a mistake to charge a fee.
Some downtown restaurant owners told aldermen that they've set up outside tables and chairs before with no problems. They also pointed out other types of businesses hold sales on city sidewalks but are not charged a fee for doing so.
While aldermen agreed to drop the fee, they would still like a plan in writing to protect the city from liability. The proposal will be discussed again at the next committee meeting in two weeks.
Aldermen spent more than 20 minutes talking about the topic Monday. You can listen to that entire discussion by clicking on the audio button.
Extra information:
*The issue was first brought up earlier this year when the Chamber of Commerce asked the city to clarify the process for offering alfresco dining.
*Four downtown business owners addressed aldermen on the issue Monday. Dan Lewis of Sullivan Taylor Coffeehouse questioned why any business owner would bother with a sidewalk cafe if the city imposed a fee and required paperwork to be filled out.