Al fresco boost for Charing Cross

Friday 17 June 2016

First the cars go, then the tables come out - Al fresco drinks can now be served at Charing Cross, as part the pedestrianisation trial which is currently underway.

Bellagio Wine Bar had their license extended yesterday to serve alcohol directly outside its premises for the duration of the trial road closure.

Bellagio manager Marcus Otelli told the Licensing Assembly that the wine bar saw the road closure as an opportunity to simultaneously trial al fresco sales of alcohol.

The application was supported by the Parish of St Helier and Connetable Simon Crowcroft said that the parish was pleased that the application was able to be presented at yesterday’s sitting, as it has only been approved by the Parish Assembly this week.

The cut from Broad Street to Sand Street has been closed to vehicular traffic since June 1.

Bellagio manager Marcus Otelli told the Licensing Assembly he hoped the al fresco area “would encourage people to come into the area."

According to the Department of Infrastructure, Charing Cross can see as many as 2,300 pedestrians over the course of a working-day lunch hour. This foot traffic is only expected to increase when the International Finance Centre is completed on the waterfront.

Pedestrians and cyclists were already found to comprise 93 percent of the traffic on the narrow road.

Mr Otelli’s application falls in line with the vision for the area according to the Future St Helier initiative.

“The vision is to make the area safer for walkers and cyclists, more attractive and vibrant with alfresco seating and to improve the public realm for commuters, shoppers and tourists while accommodating business deliveries,” the Department of Infrastructure said, when announcing the road closure.

The trial closure is expected to run for at least four months with an assessment to follow in October or November.

Neither the Police Licensing Support Team nor the parish had any objections to the application and it was granted by Deputy Bailiff Tim Le Cocq.

Department of Infrastructure Director of Transport Tristen Dodd said: "The trial closure has been brought about in a bid to create a nicer place for people to live and work and ensuring the town has a lively character. We welcome the initiative because we want to see road space well used and appropriately used. It is great to see there is a mix of activities in the town."