PORT TOWNSEND — Wintry weather or not, on-pavement dining will continue in what Port Townsend calls its “streateries.”
In mid-2020, when restaurants in the Uptown and downtown historic districts began reopening, the City Council approved the erecting of enclosures and tents where patrons could sit along the sidewalk.
These streateries, outside the Uptown Pub & Grill, the Old Whiskey Mill, the Alchemy Bistro and Tommyknocker’s Cornish Pasty, proved to be a hit.
As the pandemic wore on, the council extended the program through October 2020, through June 2021 and then through Dec. 31.
In their meeting Monday night, the council members voted unanimously for a fourth renewal through May 9, to allow restaurants to keep their street spaces open through Mother’s Day.
Providing eating areas on the street hasn’t been as popular in Clallam County, although some restaurants have created more outdoor seating.
The tents and other coverings expand the choices for customers who must show proof of vaccination against COVID-19 to sit indoors, but who can sit outside if they’re not vaccinated.
The heated patio on Water Street in front of Tommyknocker’s “has been critical to our survival,” co-owner Thomas Skipper said Thursday.
“It’s been huge,” he said of the compact space, adding that, when unvaccinated patrons arrive, he need not turn them away due to the North Olympic Peninsula’s proof-of-vaccination mandate for indoor dining.
“We get a lot of tourists,” he said, “from Georgia or Alabama, who didn’t know we have vaccine mandates. This is the only way they can eat,” unless they want to order takeout.
In his presentation to the City Council, Public Works Director Steve King noted that the streateries measure also affects food carts. Until now, their temporary-use permits expired after 240 days in business; the extension waives that limit, allowing covered food carts to continue through May 9.
“I’d love to see this continue on in perpetuity,” Deputy Mayor David Faber said of the streatery program, adding it makes the town “more walkable,” open and friendly.
Mari Mullen, executive director of the Main Street Program, spoke to the council about the survey her organization did of local residents, business people and visitors. Of 270 respondents, 71 percent said streateries contribute to the historic districts’ vitality and should stay up year-round.
“A fair number of comments desire better aesthetics with concern over the appearance of the tents,” Main Street’s survey report noted.
Skipper, for his part, said he’d consider building something new if the repeated extensions turn into city policy.
“I’m willing to invest in a proper structure, if they’re willing to make this a permanent thing,” he said.
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Jefferson County senior reporter Diane Urbani de la Paz can be reached at 360-417-3509 or durbanidelapaz@peninsuladailynews.com.
