RESTAURATEURS who want to place temporary additional tables and chairs outside their premises can now apply to the Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) for approval. Similarly, the city will also provide temporary permits for motorcycle and bicycle shops to place their vehicles on the walkway. Petaling Jaya mayor Datuk Mohd Sayuthi Bakar said MBPJ wanted to control and accommodate the demand. “There were old guidelines for restaurant operators to place tables and chairs outside their premises. “However, we have refined the guidelines and allowed operators to reapply,” he said. Mohd Sayuthi said these businesses must now have a RM100,000 public liability insurance if they wanted to place between one and 20 tables outside the eateries. “An additional 10 tables would require another RM50,000 public liability insurance,” he said. Mohd Sayuthi said the eateries were allowed to place the tables and chairs on the walkway, road shoulder in front of the premises, lanes between shop lots, cul de sac and unoccupied parking bays. The operation times must be from noon to 2pm, and 6pm until midnight. The tables and chairs must be removed at the end of the permitted operating hours. Mohd Sayuthi said portable safety barricades or safety cones with reflectors must be used to indicate the parking bays are being used as dining spaces from 7pm to midnight. Businesses applying for the first time will be given a six-month permit. Subsequently, the businesses will be given a one-year permit upon renewal. MBPJ will revoke the permit if residents object or if they failed to adhere to the set rules and regulations. As for the motorcycle and bicycle shops, the business must not obstruct parking bays for disabled people. MBPJ will also charge RM400 monthly for each occupied parking bay. “These are temporary permits and MBPJ has the right to introduce new rulings to accommodate this new regulation,” he said.