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Council approves license to allow two tables on boardwalk for new restaurant over objections on fee fairness
Summary
The council authorized a license for a new boardwalk restaurant to place two tables (up to four chairs total) to increase outdoor seating. Council member Lester voted no, arguing a nominal fee was not commensurate with private benefit; other members said supporting small businesses helps the local economy and public enjoyment of the boardwalk.
The Long Beach City Council on Oct. 7 voted to authorize a license agreement permitting a new boardwalk restaurant identified in the meeting as "Barrier Beats" to place two tables with up to four chairs on the boardwalk adjacent to a city light pole approximately 4 feet off the business property.
City staff said the arrangement would be a nominal annual fee intended to support the small business and would not impede boardwalk flow. Council member Lester questioned the fairness of the fee given the private benefit, asserting that the arrangement effectively provided substantial seating value at a low cost to the business; he recorded the lone no vote. Other council members defended the measure, saying the modest allowance helps new merchants and attracts visitors.
Public commenters raised pedestrian access and sidewalk crowding concerns and asked whether other boardwalk or Park Avenue businesses would be permitted similar arrangements. Staff clarified the license would be limited to two tables and up to four chairs in total and said similar concessions have existed previously.
