Sedona AZ–The City of Sedona council recently approved a resolution in December 2010 to allow sidewalk dining on public sidewalks and City rights-of-way. Various business establishments had approached the City about expanding potential uses of public sidewalks and rights-of-way for outdoor dining experiences whereby residents and tourists would be able to have an outdoor dining experience and enjoy the beauty of the City’s natural surroundings. It was also the desire of these businesses to be able to offer alcoholic beverages as part of an outdoor dining experience to create a more festive and entertaining attraction, particularly in the Uptown area for residents and visitors. It would also serve to encourage visitors to spend more time in the Uptown area during evening hours. Outdoor dining on private property is not regulated by this resolution.

City staff worked with local businesses to create a set of regulations governing sidewalk dining. Under this resolution, a business must obtain a permit in order to have sidewalk dining in front of their establishment. The permit requires a designation of the area proposed for sidewalk dining and insures that pedestrian rights-of-way are still maintained. When the dining includes serving alcohol, a permit issued by the Arizona Department of Liquor Licenses and Controls authorizing serving of alcoholic beverages in such areas is required. Permittees are required to offer food service along with service of alcoholic beverages. Liability insurance covering the City is also required.

The permit also regulates the placement of furniture, tables and chairs within the sidewalk dining area. Permittees are prohibited from selling other goods or services within these sidewalk dining areas, unless a temporary permit for such sales is obtained. These sidewalk dining areas are also subject to the City’s Sound Control ordinance. The permit is revocable if a permittee violates its terms, or if changing conditions cause pedestrian or traffic congestion, or if the permittee is delinquent in paying city sewer fees. Further information is available by contacting the City of Sedona Public Works Maintenance Division, Dan Niemy, at 928-204-7800.