Encroachment of Public Walkways by Restaurants and Coffee Shops

Assoc Prof Fatimah Lateef asked the Minister for National Development whether there is an action plan to handle the encroachment of tables and chairs along public walkways by restaurants and coffee shops throughout Singapore.

The question pertains to Outdoor Refreshment Areas (ORAs). These are ancillary dining areas of a restaurant or coffee shop in public walkways and spaces. Depending on where they are located and how they are managed, ORAs can enhance or compromise the character of an area and the experience of stakeholders, including operators, patrons and residents, if any, living nearby. Hence, we have to take a differentiated approach in dealing with ORAs.

In commercial areas, such as Orchard Road and Singapore River, URA has guidelines to encourage ORAs which enhance the identity and experiences of these places. These guidelines are reviewed regularly to ensure that they remain relevant.

In areas which are located at or near residential neighbourhoods, we only allow small-scale ORAs if they do not obstruct pedestrian movement or disturb the residents living nearby. Operators planning to establish ORAs should consult URA and meet other regulatory requirements, such as on fire safety.

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URA will assess each proposal on a case-by-case basis.

Where the encroachment of these ORAs into public walkways causes severe obstruction and disturbance, we will investigate such encroachments. We will take enforcement action if necessary.