Discussions about the terraces along Palma's Born avenue continue, restaurant and bar owners aware that not only are the terraces likely to disappear in February (which was the original plan of the town hall) but also that they will have to apply for licence renewals next month.
The owners have proposed that the terraces remain where they are, i.e. on the central pedestrian way, but are arranged so that they occupy less of the way. Additionally, they are offering to harmonise the look and style of the terraces and their furniture and to remove them when the town hall wishes to stage an event (such as the book fair).
The town hall is still insisting that the terraces should be moved so that tables and chairs are a maximum of three metres in front of bars on what is a pedestrianised side road. Aurora Jhardi, the deputy mayor for public services, says that this arrangement would be compatible with the operation of emergency services that have to use this side road, that it meets needs of mobility and that the positioning of terraces would not interfere with other businesses.
In addition, the town hall is suggesting that it will remove the terrace for the Casal Solleric, which is town hall property albeit that the bar is managed privately. By taking this terrace away, it might be possible to share tables and chairs with the other bars.
Jhardi says that the town hall is not closing the door on anyone or anything. "We have to comply with a manifesto, but we are an administration of dialogue", adding that the town hall is not ruling out there being moratoria for licences on the Born and in other parts of the city.
All parties concerned are due to meet again on Tuesday next week in an attempt to reach agreement.