Bradenton council approves two sidewalk-cafe permits, delays two others amid alleyway-safety concerns

Bradenton City Council on Wednesday approved sidewalk-cafe permits for two downtown businesses and continued two related applications after extended debate over alleyway safety, gate access and how outdoor furniture should be stored overnight.

Planning staff presented four separate special-use cases that would allow restaurants to serve alcoholic beverages on public sidewalks along Twelfth Street West (Old Main Street). Greg DeLong, assistant director of planning and community development, described the cases as special-use requests for sidewalk cafes because "the sale of alcoholic beverages on the sidewalk cafe" pushes the proposals beyond what the form-based code permits as a routine sidewalk cafe.

The council voted 4-0 to approve Resolution 25-58 (313 Twelfth Street West, Shuckett) with conditions including that the three outdoor tables may remain but that at least two front tables be moved by midnight or when the last outside dining customer leaves; the motion also specified that the tables may be moved to a locked, enclosed patio on the south side of the building. The same 4-0 vote approved Resolution 25-59 (436 Twelfth Street West, Craft Tales) with standard stipulations requiring a site plan on display, a city indemnification agreement within 30 days, maintenance of a 5-foot clear pedestrian path, state alcohol licenses if sales occur, and city approval for any future increase in seating.

Council members extensively questioned two other applications at 440 Twelfth Street West (Resolution 25-57, the Brown Bag) and 430 Twelfth Street West (Resolution 25-60, Poor Decisions). That discussion focused less on whether outdoor dining supports downtown vibrancy and more on operational and public-safety details: who…