PROTESTERS have taken to the streets as the fight for Palma’s terraces continues.
Dozens of angry restaurateurs gathered on Calle Blanquerna to voice their disapproval of new terrace rules, which could see around 500 terraces affected.
Under new rules, pavements will have to be a minimum of 2.5 metres free of any obstructions, leaving little space for tables.
It could mean dozens of expat business owners – the majority in Santa Catalina – will no longer being able to serve clients outside their premises.
Protesters argue that the street has ‘more than reasonable space for both pedestrians and the terraces’.
“The current dimensions have not caused any problems of coexistence before,” said a spokesman for a new group opposed to the plans We All Fit in Palma.
A petition has so far garnered nearly 1000 signatures, while the island’s PP party has come out in support of the restaurants.
Restaurant owners in Santa Catalina meanwhile, insist that a ‘one rule fits all’ new law will be very damaging to them.
“A city-wide rule makes no sense – small streets and alleys in Palma are not the same in Santa Catalina,” Bin Shah, owner of Bindi Indian Restaurant told the Olive Press.
Fellow restaurateur, Italian Luca Veronesi, at Prosecco, said: “We all rely on these terraces to make a living. Shut mine, I will have to lay off staff for sure and may even be forced to close.”
The city has been listening to different associations and businesses before it makes a final decision, which is likely to be in early March.