Urbanco orders restaurants to remove tables from pavements

Urbanco has ordered cafes and restaurants to remove the tables and chairs that have been placed on pavements.

Urbanco received multiple complaints from the public about eateries placing tables and chairs on pavements. Following these complaints, the corporation discovered a total of 182 tables belonging to cafes and restaurants placed on pavements in 34 different roads and streets in Hulhumalé.

"To address this issue, Urbanco has instructed all relevant businesses to remove their tables and chairs from the pavements," the corporation stated in a press release.

Urbanco has also released several images to the media showing tables and chairs obstructing pavements.

According to Urbanco, operating cafes and restaurants by placing tables and chairs on pavements will create inconvenience for pedestrians. The corporation has requested that businesses not breach the permissions granted to them for operating their respective outlets and to remain cautious about this issue.

Urbanco said that it had granted permission to various cafes and takeaway businesses to promote community engagement in Hulhumalé and has provided open areas for such businesses after observing a demand for it.

Urbanco said that its urbanization efforts prioritize providing natural shade through tree planting and easy accessibility for the public. The corporation also requested continued support from the public for its efforts.

The issue of cafes and restaurants in Hulhumalé extending their business area onto the pavements has been a recurring problem, and in most cases, such conduct has been stopped following public complaints.