“Yes We Can!” – pub landlord thanks Obama (and TTS) for Al Fresco result

Friday 06 March 2015

After ten years of waiting, Blue Note landlord Noel Flood has finally got the Al Fresco extension he has been pushing for – and he’s saying it’s all down to US President Barack Obama.

Transport and Technical Services said late yesterday that the pub could extend its Al Fresco area along the pavement running down Broad Street.

And Mr Flood says he’s delighted that TTS have supported the move, and has piled praise on a perhaps unlikely source…

“In 2008, Barack Obama gave the world the slogan ‘Yes We Can’, and it looks like the Jersey civil service have taken it to heart,” he said.

“I’m delighted. My first reaction was that they must be kidding – I mean, it’s been probably ten years I’ve been trying to get this done.

“So, thanks to TTS and Barack Obama, I’m going to send him a letter to say thanks.”

St Helier Constable Simon Crowcroft praised the new team of Transport Minister Eddie Noel and Assistant Transport Minister Richard Rondel for their support. He said that the new Al Fresco area would not disrupt the existing unloading bay and that no disabled parking spaces would be lost.

The area will be open for an unloading bay up until 11 am every morning, then it will change over and the tables will go outside.

“Following a meeting with TTS and consultation with local traders I am very pleased that an additional area of Al Fresco seating has been agreed for the Blue Note,” he said.

“I am delighted that the new ministerial team is taking the needs of town traders seriously, which of course supports their Strategic Plan Objective about supporting St Helier. There is no doubt that Al Fresco seating is a popular feature of what the hospitality industry offers in St Helier, and it makes visiting the town a more vibrant and pleasant experience.”